WO2022263578A1

WO2022263578A1 - Fitness tracking device

Info

Publication number: WO2022263578A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/066429
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mathieu Wouter Ferdinand WERNSEN; Michael Fahim Pochra FAHIM; Lars Michiel VAN DER WAL
Original assignee: Gymstory B.V.
Priority date: 2021-06-15
Filing date: 2022-06-15
Publication date: 2022-12-22
Also published as: NL2028457B1

Abstract

Fitness tracking device adapted to be mounted on exercise equipment, i.e. free-weights and weight machines, for tracking movements when an exercise is performed with the exercise equipment, comprising at least one motion sensor, to provide motion sensor data that are representative for motions of the exercise equipment; and a wireless communication unit to transmit a signal from the fitness tracking device, wherein the wireless communication unit comprises at least one transmitter to transmit a first motion signal to a network device and to transmit a second motion signal to a user device, wherein the first motion signal and the second motion signal are based on the motion sensor data and wherein the first motion signal and the second motion signal are different wherein the fitness tracking device is configured to determine equipment information, and wherein the first motion signal and/or the second motion signal comprise the equipment information..

Description

Title: Fitness tracking device

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a fitness tracking device, a pin-loaded exercise equipment assembly, an exercise equipment assembly, a fitness tracking system, a method for tracking movements of a fitness tracking system, use of a fitness tracking device and a method for equipping exercise equipment with a fitness tracking device.

Background of the invention

At present, various activity trackers are available that are able to measure movement of a (recreational) athlete to track sports activities, such as running or swimming. However, fitness activities may be performed in various ways and with various types of equipment, and as a result, tracking of fitness activities in a gym is more complex and generally not possible.

W02021/003502 discloses a training monitoring device for tracking movements of a training weight of fitness equipment. When starting an exercise, the training monitoring device may be releasably connected to a handlebar of a free weight, or to a weight of a weight machine by means of one or more magnets. The training monitoring device then tracks movements of the weight and calculates movement speed and accelerations, and by means of a Bluetooth connection data of the fitness device and calculated movement speed and acceleration of the training weight are sent to a connected smart device of a user. During the exercise, the user may be provided with feedback via the training monitoring device and the smart device. Further, statistics on the movement of the weight are calculated by the smart device.

A disadvantage of the known training monitoring device is that the feedback provided in relation to the battery life is relatively limited. Processing of measurement data requires computational power and therefore reduces battery life of the training monitoring device. As a result, additional insights are to be computed on the smart device of the user.

Thus, the training monitoring device relies on a smart device of a user for functioning, and capacities of the smart device limit training monitoring and analysis. In practice, an empty battery of the smart device during training may result in no statistics, or no training data at all, being available for the training.

Additionally, it has been found that, when instead of a portable training monitoring device and a portable smart device, a fixed monitoring device would be installed inside the gym building, the capabilities of the fixed monitoring device would become dependent on the conditions within the gym building that are outside the influence of the user, such as energy and communication availability, and availability due to other users. Also, the presence of other users and/or objects in the gym may disturb tracking and wireless communication, especially over relatively long distances, which may potentially result in loss of tracking data. Further, a monitoring device that is installed fixed inside a gym building will usually be at a greater distance to a user compared to a smart device held by a user. It has been found that aspects, such as a longer distance, more intermediate steps and disturbances can cause delays, compared to direct communication between a training monitoring device and a smart device. As a result, statistics from a fixed monitoring device are usually provided relatively slow and may not be usable for providing real-time feedback to a user.

Object of the invention

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a fitness tracking device for tracking movements of exercise equipment that at least partially overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art, or at least to provide an alternative fitness tracking device, for example a user- friendly fitness tracking device that combines a relatively long battery life with comprehensive feedback capabilities.

Detailed description

The present invention provides a fitness tracking device adapted to be mounted on exercise equipment, for example free-weights or weight machines, for tracking movements when an exercise is performed with the exercise equipment, wherein the fitness tracking device comprises at least one motion sensor, to provide motion sensor data that are representative for motions of the exercise equipment and a wireless communication unit to transmit a signal from the fitness tracking device.

The wireless communication unit comprises at least one transmitter to transmit a first motion signal to a network device and to transmit a second motion signal to a user device. The first motion signal and the second motion signal are based on the motion sensor data and the first motion signal and the second motion signal are different, wherein the fitness tracking device is adapted to be mounted on free-weights and weight machines, wherein the fitness tracking device is configured to determine equipment information and wherein the first motion signal and/or the second motion signal comprise equipment information.

The fitness tracking device sends a first motion signal to the network device, such as a fixed device in the gym, which is different from a second motion signal to the user device.

The benefit of the fitness tracking device is that the first motion signal may comprise exercise tracking information relevant for the network device, and that the second motion signal may comprise exercise tracking information relevant for the user device.

As such, the second motion signal may comprise information that is relevant for direct and immediate feedback with the user device, while the first motion signal may comprise information that is relevant for later analysis and in-depth feedback after completing an exercise.

In particular, the second motion signal may contain only the information relevant for providing direct and/or immediate feedback with the user device, while the first motion signal may be a relatively extensive signal and comprise more data.

Also, the second motion signal can be sent to the user device directly, instead of, for example, via internet, such that the second motion signal may be received by the user device with a minimum amount of delay and/or with a minimum loss of tracking data. Therewith, real time feedback may be provided to the user.

Further, in case the second motion signal cannot be received, for example due the user device being out of power, the first motion signal may still be received by the networking device. This way, further analysis of training data may still be possible on the basis of the first motion signal even if the second motion signal is lost.

The at least one transmitter may be a Bluetooth transmitter such that the first motion signal and/or the second motion signal may be transmitted via Bluetooth. Advantageously, the at least one transmitter may be a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) transmitter such that the energy consumption is reduced. Hereinafter, the terms Bluetooth or BLE should be interpreted as Bluetooth Low Energy.

The network device may allow to transfer data received from the at least one transmitter to an internet connection, for example to a cloud service.

The term weight machine, as used herein, comprises pin-loaded or weight stack machines that use captive stacks of weights and plate-loaded machines that use barbell plates.

The term free weights, as used herein, comprises any equipment for fitness training that is not connected to a machine, e.g., dumbbells, kettlebells and medicine balls.

In addition to weight machines and free weights, the fitness tracking device may be mounted on other types of exercise equipment, such as resistance bands, ankle weights, exercise tubes and ropes, etc.

The fitness tracker may comprise a mounting arrangement configured to releasably mount the fitness tracker on weight machines and free weights. The mounting arrangement may comprise a first mount configured to releasably mount the fitness tracker to a free weight and a second mound configured to releasably mount the fitness tracker to a weight machine. The fitness tracking device may be adapted to be mounted on free weights and weight machines via the mounting arrangement.

The first mount may for example comprise a weight disc mount or a handlebar mount, adapted to mate the weight disc or handlebar of the free weight, respectively, for example magnetically, via adhesion or via clamping or clipping. The first mount may additionally or alternatively be configured to cooperate with an attachment plate permanently attached to the free weight for releasably mounting the fitness tracker to the attachment plate.

The second mount may for example comprise a rigidly mounted and/or a detachable weight selection pin adapted to select a weight in a weight machine. The weight selection pin may be pivotably and/or telescopically mounted and/or detachable with respect to other components of the fitness tracking device to result in a compact device. In particular, the pin may be arranged this way to avoid mechanical interference with the first mount to releasably mount the fitness tracker. The weight selection pin may be detachable by means of a releasable pin connection, such as a magnet or screw thread. The second mount may comprise a recess housing the releasable pin connection. This way, the weight selection pin may be accommodated in the recess to reduce the chances of unwanted release during an exercise.

In an embodiment, the fitness tracking device comprises an universal mounting arrangement configured to cooperate with an attachment plate permanently attached to a free weight and to cooperate with the weight selection pin. The attachment plate may comprise a first connector and the weight selection in may comprise a second connector, wherein the first connector and the second connector correspond to each other and are configured to cooperate with the universal mounting arrangement. The universal mounting arrangement may for example comprise a screw thread or shape complementary to the first connector and the second connector. The first and the second connector may have similar shape, for example be equal.

The equipment information may be comprised in the first motion signal and/or second motion signal, and comprise information relevant for later processing of the respective motion signal. The equipment information may comprise an equipment id that is unique for the exercise equipment, and, additionally or alternatively, an equipment type, weights, intensity and/or other information.

The fitness tracking device may be configured to determine equipment information, for example using an equipment identifier, as will be explained herein. Additionally or alternatively, the fitness tracking device may determine equipment information in another way, for example by reading from a data source, such as a memory or external database in which the equipment information is provided, for example via pre-programming, over-the-air updates. The fitness tracking device may comprise a hardware or software interface in which the type of equipment is selected, wherein the fitness tracking device determines the equipment information by reading input from the interface.

In contrast to the known activity trackers and training monitoring devices, the fitness tracking device may perform just sufficient processing of the motion sensor data for transmitting the second motion signal suitable for providing real-time feedback with the user device, without the need for computationally intensive further analysis of the motion sensor data. The computationally intensive further analysis of the motion sensor data may be performed later, for example in a cloud service, such that is does not require computational power of the fitness tracking device and/or the user device.

This makes the battery life longer so that the fitness tracking device can remain mounted on exercise equipment for a relatively long time before recharging is necessary.

Also, it has been found that users value receiving real-time feedback, especially on own user devices to be able to interpret, analyse and/or share results themselves and at any desired pace. On the other hand, the motion sensor data may be a very valuable tool for developers for software development, for fitness environment owners, personal trainers, paramedics, such as physiotherapists, dieticians and health insurance companies, for example to assist users in their exercises. Therefore, sharing of data from user devices to fitness environment owners, developers and/or personal trainers was often required in the past. The fitness tracking device does not require sharing of motion sensor data between the user device and the network device for functioning as, for example, the network device may be owned or held by a developer, fitness environment owner and/or personal trainer, while the user device may be owned or held by a user. The user may be a (recreational) athlete or other fitness exerciser. As such, privacy may be improved. For example, data on the user device and the network device may remain on the respective device and/or may be owned by the respective device owner.

The user device may be a mobile user device, such as a smartphone, wearable, tablet or smartwatch.

The at least one transmitter may be configured to transmit the first motion signal and the second motion signal simultaneously or intermittently. The first motion signal and/or the second motion signal may also be transmitted upon a certain amount of time, or upon a certain amount of exercise sets or repetitions.

The second motion signal may be transmitted periodically or continuously during an exercise, and/or may be transmitted in shorter intervals than the first motion signal in order to provide real-time feedback.

In addition to a gym, the fitness tracking device may be particularly suited for tracking exercises performed with exercise equipment in other fitness environments, such as home gyms and rehabilitation centres.

In an embodiment, the equipment information comprises a type of exercise equipment, such as free weights or weight machines. This, the fitness tracking device may be applied universally without the necessity of later identification or postprocessing to determine the equipment type.

In an embodiment, both the first motion signal and the second motion signal comprise the equipment information. This way, the equipment type is known on the network device and on the user device, and may be processed individually, such that later identification, postprocessing or communication to determine the equipment type may be omitted.

In an embodiment, the second motion signal comprises processed motion sensor data, and wherein the first motion signal comprises motion sensor data that is less processed by the fitness tracking device than the processed motion sensor data of the second motion signal. This less processed motion sensor data is herein also referred to as raw motion sensor data. The first motion signal may comprise unprocessed motion sensor data.

As the first motion signal is transmitted separately from the second motion signal, the user device does not need to process information in the first motion signal, such that an extensive amount of data therein has in principle no effect on the computational load of the user device, such that the user device may provide real-time feedback on the basis of the second motion signal during an exercise.

Additionally, a relatively large amount of data, for example a first motion signal comprising raw motion sensor data may be transmitted by the fitness tracking device, as any latencies introduced in a wireless connection between the fitness tracking device and the wireless network due to transmittance of the first motion signal will usually not delay transmittance of the second motion signal.

By processing only motion sensor data required for the second motion signal, for example data required for providing real-time feedback for the user, the fitness tracking device saves energy and computational power that would be required for processing motion sensor data required for the first motion signal, for example data required for later further analysis.

In an embodiment, the motion sensor comprises at least one of a three-axis accelerometer, a three-axis magnetometer, a three-axis gyroscope and/or a barometer, wherein the first motion signal comprises one or more of accelerometer data, magnetometer data, gyroscope data and/or barometer data.

The three-axis accelerometer may be configured to provide acceleration sensor data that are representative for an acceleration level of the motion sensor in three orthogonal directions.

The three-axis magnetometer, may be configured to provide magnetic orientation sensor data that is representative for an absolute position of the motion sensor in three orthogonal directions, e.g., with respect to the earth magnetic field.

The three-axis gyroscope may be configured to provide an angular velocity sensor data that are representative for an angular velocity of the motion sensor in three orthogonal directions. The barometer may be configured to provide air pressure data that are representative for a vertical position of the motion sensor.

The measured acceleration level and/or angular velocity may represent combined accelerations respectively velocities in one or more orthogonal directions, such that the accelerometer data and/or the angular velocity sensor data comprises a magnitude of the acceleration level and/or velocity and a direction thereof.

The first motion signal may comprise one or more of the acceleration sensor data, the magnetic orientation sensor data, the angular velocity sensor data and/or the barometer data. The first motion signal may, for example comprise the data of one or more of the data types mentioned above in unprocessed form.

By having multiple types of motion sensor data, movements of the exercise equipment may be tracked relatively precise. In particular, the accelerometer may provide detection of quick movements, whereas the barometer may provide detection of gradual movements. By combining the data, drift and/or measurement errors may potentially be reduced.

In an embodiment, the fitness tracking device is configured to fuse at least two of accelerometer data, magnetometer data, gyroscope data and/or barometer data to determine real-time exercise data, such as an actual number of repetitions, sets and/or pauses, a momentary position, momentary speed and momentary acceleration, and wherein the second motion signal comprises the real-time exercise data.

By combining at least two types of data, the real-time exercise data may be determined very precisely. Additionally, three or four types of data may be combined to further enhance accuracy and/or precision of the determined movement data.

In an embodiment, the fitness tracking device may be configured to receive signal requests from the user device, wherein the signal requests determine the contents of the second motion signal. In particular, the signal request comprises the type of requested real-time exercise data, such as, actual number of repetitions, sets and/or pauses, momentary position, momentary speed and/or momentary acceleration. According to the signal request, the requested real-time exercise data type may then be comprised in the real-time exercise data. This way, the transmitted real-time exercise data may be adjusted to the real-time exercise data presented by the user device.

In an embodiment, the wireless communication unit comprises a receiver arranged to receive user information from the user device, wherein the user information is transferred to the network device with the first motion signal, or wherein the receiver is arranged to receive user information from the network device, wherein the user information is transferred to the user device with the second motion signal. By having a receiver, user information may be provided by the user device. As such, by carrying a user device, a connection may be established between the user device and the fitness tracking device automatically, wherein user identification, is transferred to and received by the fitness tracking device automatically. Therewith, the motion sensor data and thus the first motion signal and/or the second motion signal may be coupled to a specific user for tracking exercise performance of that user. Additionally or alternatively, user information may be provided via the network device.

The user information may comprise a name or a number, such as a user device id.

In an embodiment, the user device identifier that is used for initiating a Bluetooth connection forms the user information. This way, a Bluetooth Low Energy connection may be initiated between the fitness tracking device and the user device upon receiving the user device identifier, and as such the fitness tracking device may be configured to detect the user device based on a device identifier in the user information.

In an embodiment, the transmitter may be configured to connect to the user device when the user device is within a connection distance to the transmitter. The connection distance may be a predetermined distance, for example 1 m or 0,5 m, or alternatively, the connection distance may be a range of the transmitter, for example a Bluetooth range.

Alternatively, the transmitter may be configured to broadcast equipment information, such as the equipment id, continuously, wherein the transmitter is configured to connect to the user device when the user device requests a connection, for example manually by selecting the fitness tracker, e.g. the equipment id, on the user device, or by scanning a marker on the fitness equipment and/or on the fitness tracker, such as an NFC tag or QR code.

The transmitter may be configured to transmit the second motion signal until the user device is disconnected, or alternatively, until the at least one motion sensor detects no exercise is being performed, for example when no motion is detected for a certain time period.

In an embodiment, the fitness tracking device is configured to transmit the first motion signal upon detection of a motion in the motion sensor data; and to transmit the second motion signal upon detection of the user device. The first motion signal and/or the second motion signal may be sent once, multiple times and/or continuously upon detection of the motion, respectively the user device.

In particular, the fitness tracking device may be configured to transmit the second motion signal when the user device and the motion are detected.

An advantage of this approach is that by only transmitting the respective motion signals when the motion, respectively the user device, is detected, energy consumption is reduced. Further, even if the first motion signal may not be received properly by the network device, the second motion signal may still be received by the user device, and vice versa. The fitness tracking device may be configured to stop transmission of the first motion signal and/or the second motion signal when no motion is detected. For example, the fitness tracking device may stop transmission of the first motion signal and/or the second motion signal when no motion is detected during a predetermined time period, such as 3 seconds or 60 seconds.

The fitness tracking device may be configured to detect a motion when the at least one motion sensor provides motion sensor data twice within a predetermined period, for example within 3 seconds.

In addition to detection of the motion and/or the user device, the fitness tracking device may be configured to require detection of other aspects before a first and/or second motion signal is transmitted. This way, power consumption may be further reduced. For example, in an embodiment having an RFID-reader, the fitness tracking device may be configured to transmit the first motion signal and/or the second motion signal only when also equipment information is determined with an RFID-reader.

In an embodiment, the fitness tracking device comprises an equipment identifier, such as an RFID-reader, to determine equipment information recorded in a marker, such as an RFID-tag, associated with the exercise equipment, wherein first motion signal and/or the second motion signal comprise the equipment information.

By having an equipment identifier, the type of equipment and other equipment data, such as a selected intensity or weight, may be identified and be transmitted with the respective motion signal. This way, the user may no longer have to manually perform actions to track the equipment type, such as by manually inputting the selected weight.

The marker comprising equipment information may be a software marker, hardware marker and/or a marker physically attached to the exercise equipment. The software marker may for example be programmed, such as pre-programmed, before mounting the fitness tracking device, and/or be provided later via an over-the-air update. The hardware marker may comprise one or more physical switches, such as flip switches or dip switches on the fitness tracker that are selected when mounting the fitness tracking device on the exercise equipment. Advantageously, the marker is physically attached to the exercise equipment to avoid mistakes. The marker may comprise an RFID-tag or QR-code, colour code or any other marker.

The equipment data may vary with the type of equipment and may, instead of weight, comprise other data, for example other data that represent training intensity for types of exercise equipment without weights, such as resistance bands, tubes and ropes.

Further, by having an RFID-reader, the fitness tracking device may be used universally on multiple types of equipment, simply by positioning the RFID-reader nearby an RFID-tag on the exercise equipment. This may apply similarly to other types of markers on the exercise equipment.

The RFID may for example comprise NFC-technology. A predetermined RFID-frequency for RFID-communication may be 13,5 Mhz. It has been found that this frequency is advantageous on exercise equipment comprising a relatively large amount of metal, which may potentially disturb the relatively short-range and relatively limited-power RFID signal.

In a further embodiment, the RFID-reader comprises a reading module to determine equipment information from RFID-signals from an RFID-tag at a predetermined RFID- frequency, and an antenna to receive the RFID-signals and to provide the RFID-signals to the reading module, wherein the antenna is optimised for an RFID-frequency offset from the predetermined RFID-frequency.

It has been found that relatively large amounts of metal, such as weights in exercise equipment, located nearby an RFID-tag, may distort the RFID-signals, causing a shift in frequency thereof. By tuning the antenna to another RFID-frequency than the predetermined RFID-communication frequency, the equipment information may be received by the equipment identifier with substantially less distortion.

In an embodiment, the equipment identifier is configured to determine an equipment id, such as a MAC_address, from equipment information recorded in the marker. The equipment id may be unique for the respective equipment. The transmitter may be configured to transmit on behalf of the equipment id, for example by using the respective MAC-address.

As such, the fitness tracking device may be easily replaced and the exercise equipment may be provided with another fitness tracking device, whereby the network device and the user device still receive information on behalf of the same exercise equipment. The marker may for example be provided in the attachment plate, and be provided with a device name, MAC_address or other device id. The transmitter may copy the device id and transmit the first motion signal and the second motion signal using the respective device id.

In an embodiment, the fitness tracking device comprises a weight selection pin for selecting the intensity of an exercise in a weight machine. By joining the weight selection pin with the fitness tracking device, movements of the selected weight may be tracked and information about the selected weight may advantageously be determined by the fitness tracking device.

The weight selection pin may be replaceable, for example by means of a screw thread. Manufacturers of exercise equipment use various dimensions for weight selection pins. This way, the replaceable weight selection pin may advantageously be replaced such that the fitness tracking device can be used in exercise equipment from different manufacturers. This way, a truly universal fitness tracking device may be provided. In particular, when the fitness tracking device comprises an equipment identifier, such as an RFID-reader, such that a marker, such as an RFID-tag, placed on a selected weight in a weight machine may conveniently be used to determine equipment information comprising the selected weight.

In an additional or alternative embodiment, the fitness tracking device comprises a universal mounting arrangement for connecting the fitness tracking device to the exercise equipment, in particular wherein the mounting arrangement comprises a magnet or screw thread for engagement with exercise equipment.

By having a universal mounting arrangement and/or a weight selection pin, the fitness tracking device may easily be replaced by another fitness tracking device, for example for recharging and/or replacement of the battery, updates and/or maintenance.

In an embodiment, the fitness tracking device may be configured to receive over-the- air updates. This way, additional functionality and other improvements may be provided to the fitness tracking device. The over-the-air update could be received via the network device, for example from a cloud service.

The invention further provides a pin-loaded exercise equipment assembly, for example a weight machine, comprising a fitness tracking device according to any of the embodiments described herein, for example to claim 10 and 12, or claim 11 and 12, and weights for influencing an intensity of an exercise, wherein the weights are each provided with a marker provided with equipment information for the respective weight, and wherein the markers are arranged on the weights such that, upon selection of a weight with the weight selection pin of the fitness tracking device, equipment information of the selected weight may be determined with the equipment identifier. This embodiment provides advantages as explained hereinabove.

The invention further provides an exercise equipment assembly, for example a dumbbell, comprising:

- an attachment plate, permanently attached to the exercise equipment for releasable connection to the mounting arrangement, provided with a marker, for example embedded therein, provided with equipment information for the respective exercise equipment; and

- a fitness tracking device according to any of the embodiments described herein, for example according to claim 10 or 11 ; wherein a location of the marker on the attachment plate is such that, upon releasably connecting the fitness tracking device with the attachment plate, the equipment information of the respective exercise equipment may be determined with the equipment identifier.

This embodiment enables easy replacement of the fitness tracking device upon multiple types of devices, as the same attachment plate may be provided on different devices or devices from different manufacturers. As such, the fitness tracking device is universal and user-friendly, as explained hereinabove.

In an embodiment, the attachment plate comprises a first connector, wherein the fitness tracking device comprises an universal mounting arrangement. The exercise equipment assembly may further comprise a weight selection pin comprising a second connector, wherein the first connector and the second connector correspond to each other and are configured to cooperate with the universal mounting arrangement for selectively releasably connecting the first connector or the second connector to the universal mounting arrangement.

This way, the fitness tracker may easily be switched between a free weight and weight machine, for example by removal from the attachment plate and attaching the weight selection pin, or vice versa.

The invention further provides a fitness tracking system, comprising:

- at least one fitness tracking device according to any of the embodiments described herein, for example according to any of the claims 1-12; and

- a network device, configured to receive first motion signals from the multiple fitness tracking devices for further processing.

By having a separate network device, the first motion signal may be transmitted irrespective of the transmittance of the second motion signal. As such, even when no real-time feedback is provided to a user, the movements may be tracked for further processing, such as analysing. Therewith, the first motion signal may be coupled to a specific user later, and/or may be processed anonymously.

Additionally, multiple fitness tracking devices may transmit respective first motion signals to a single network device. As such, only a single network connection may be necessary for functioning of the fitness tracking system and costs for installation and maintenance are reduced.

The fitness tracking system may comprise multiple network devices, wherein the at least one fitness tracking device is configured to select a network device that is located closest to the respective fitness tracking device and to transmit the first motion signal to the selected network device. Additionally or alternatively another network device may be selected, for example a network device that has an advantageous signal quality at a location of the respective fitness tracking device. This way, transmission of the first motion signal may be improved, especially in relatively large fitness environments, such as relatively large gyms or revalidation centres.

Also, the network device may provide for buffering and/or local storage and/or local processing of the first motion signal. This further minimizes the need for a high network capacity and allows relatively large amounts of data to be transmitted to the network device, for example multiple first motion signals from multiple fitness tracking devices. In contrast with the prior art, even if multiple first motion signals are transmitted from multiple fitness tracking devices to the network device, real-time feedback may be provided to multiple user devices as the respective fitness tracking devices may each transmit a separate second motion signal to a respective user device.

In a further embodiment, the fitness tracking system comprises a user device, such as a mobile phone, for each of the at least one fitness tracking device. The user device is configured to provide user information to the wireless communication unit and to receive the second motion signal for providing the second motion signal to a user, wherein the fitness tracking device is configured to transmit the user information to the network device.

In particular, the user device may provide the second motion signal to the user via a screen, for example via a phone application.

The user device may be configured to transmit signal requests to the fitness tracking device to transmit the second motion signal. The user device may be configured to transmit signal requests once, periodically or continuously.

The signal requests may determine the contents of the second motion signal. This way, the second motion signal, in particular real-time exercise data, may be adjusted to what is presented to the user, for example via a screen, speaker or vibration motor of the user device.

The phone application may also provide access to the network device and/or to a cloud service connected to the network device, such that results from further analysis of the first motion signal may also be analysed with the phone application.

In an embodiment, the fitness tracking system comprises multiple types of exercise equipment, for example free-weights and weight machines, wherein the multiple types of exercise equipment are each provided with a fitness tracking device according to any of the claims 1-9.

The invention further provides a method for tracking movements of exercise equipment of a fitness tracking system according to any of the embodiments described herein, for example according to claims 16-17, comprising the steps of:

- providing the fitness tracking device and the network device;

- obtaining, with the motion sensor of the fitness tracking device, motion sensor data that are representative for motions of the exercise equipment;

- determining whether user information is received by the fitness tracking device;

- when no user information is received, transmitting, with the wireless communication unit of the fitness tracking device, a first motion signal to the network device, wherein the first motion signal is based on the motion sensor data; and - when user information is received, transmitting, with the wireless communication unit, a first motion signal to the network device and a second motion signal to the user device, wherein the first motion signal and the second motion signal are based on the motion sensor data and wherein the first motion signal and the second motion signal are different.

The invention further provides use of a fitness tracking device according to any of the claims 1- 12 or an exercise equipment assembly according to any of the claims 13-15 on free-weights and weight machines.

The invention further provides a method for equipping exercise equipment, for example free- weights or weight machines, with a fitness tracking device according to any of the claims 1-12 or an exercise equipment assembly according to any of the claims 13-15 on free-weights and weight machines.

With the methods and the use mentioned above, similar benefits as with fitness tracking device, the exercise equipment assemblies and/or the fitness tracking system, as mentioned herein, can be achieved.

The network device and/or the user device according to any embodiment of the invention may also be used individually and therewith also provide one or multiple of the advantages as mentioned herein without being comprised in a fitness tracking system according to the invention.

Brief description of drawings

Further characteristics of the invention will be explained below, with reference to embodiments, which are displayed in the appended drawings, in which:

Figure 1 schematically depicts a fitness tracking system according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 schematically depicts the fitness tracking system according to the embodiment of figure 1;

Figure 3A schematically depicts a pin-loaded exercise equipment assembly according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3B schematically depicts a fitness tracking device according to an embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 3C schematically depicts an exercise equipment assembly according to an embodiment of the invention. Throughout the figures, the same reference numerals are used to refer to corresponding components or to components that have a corresponding function.

Detailed description of embodiments

Figures 1 and 2 schematically depict a fitness tracking system 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. The fitness tracking system 100 comprises a fitness tracking device 1 adapted to be mounted on exercise equipment 2, for example free-weights or weight machines, for tracking movements when an exercise is performed with the exercise equipment 2.

The fitness tracking device 1 comprises a motion sensor 3, comprising a three-axis accelerometer, a three-axis magnetometer, a three-axis gyroscope and a barometer, to provide motion sensor data that are representative for motions of the exercise equipment 2, including accelerometer data, magnetometer data, gyroscope data and barometer data.

The fitness tracking device 1 further comprises a wireless communication unit 4 to transmit a signal from the fitness tracking device 1. The wireless communication unit 4 is a Bluetooth Low Energy communication unit comprising at least one transmitter 41 and a receiver 42 communicating via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE).

The at least one transmitter 41 is configured to transmit a first motion signal S1 via a first BLE connection B1 to a network device 6 and to transmit a second motion signal S2 via a second BLE connection B2 to a mobile user device 7. The first motion signal and the second motion signal comprise equipment information comprising a type of exercise equipment.

The receiver 42 is configured to receive user information U comprising a user device id from the user device 7 via the second BLE connection B2, and the at least one transmitter 41 is configured to transfer the user information U to the network device 6 with the first motion signal S1.

The user device identifier that is used for initiating the second BLE connection B2 forms the user information. This way, the fitness tracking device 1 is configured to detect the user device 7 based on a device identifier in the user information U automatically upon establishing the BLE connection B2. The fitness tracking device 1 is configured to transmit the user information U to the network device 6 via the first BLE connection B1.

The fitness tracking device 1 comprises an equipment identifier 5, which is an RFID- reader in this embodiment, to determine equipment information E recorded in a marker 8, such as an RFID-tag, associated with the exercise equipment 2. The first motion signal S1 and the second motion signal S2 comprise the equipment information.

The RFID-reader 5 comprises a reading module 51 to determine equipment information E from RFID-signals R1 from an RFID-tag 8 at a predetermined RFID communication frequency of 13,5 MHz, and comprises an antenna 52 to receive the RFID- signals R1 and to provide RFID-signals to the reading module 51. The antenna 52 is optimised for an RFID-frequency offset from 13,5 MHz.

The fitness tracking device further comprises a battery for energy supply (not shown), but may alternatively or additionally also comprise a generator that is powered by movement, such as a linear generator or winding mechanism.

The fitness tracking device 1 is configured to transmit the second motion signal S2 which comprises processed motion sensor data directly to the user device 7, and to transmit the first motion signal S1 comprising raw motion sensor data to the network device 6.

The fitness tracking device is configured to detect a motion when the at least one motion sensor provides motion sensor data twice within a predetermined period, for example the wireless communication unit may be activated when the motion sensor provides motion sensor data comprising two samples representative for accelerations within 3 seconds at a sampling rate of 12 Hz. The first motion signal S1 is transmitted periodically upon detection of a motion in the motion sensor data; and the second motion signal S2 is transmitted periodically upon detection of the user device 7 and detection of a motion in the motion sensor data. The fitness tracking device 1 is configured to stop transmission of the first motion signal S1 and the second motion signal S2 when no motion is detected for 3 seconds.

The first motion signal S1 comprises raw motion sensor data relevant for later analysis and in-depth feedback after completing an exercise. In this embodiment, the first motion signal comprises all motion sensor data, including accelerometer data, magnetometer data, gyroscope data and barometer data.

The user device 7 is configured to send a signal request to the fitness tracking device 2 via BLE connection B2 every 1/12^th of a second. The signal requests in this embodiment are a request for an actual number of repetitions and an actual speed. The fitness tracking is configured to receive signal requests from the user device. The user device 7 may additionally or alternatively send signal requests for other real-time exercise data, such as a number of pauses or sets, to adjust the received motion signal to what is to be presented by the user device, for example shown on a screen of the user device.

This way, the second motion signal S2 comprises processed motion sensor data that is relevant for direct and immediate real-time feedback with the user device. In this embodiment, the fitness tracking device 1 is configured to process the motion data by fusing the accelerometer data and the barometer data to determine real-time exercise data, comprising an actual number of repetitions and sets and a momentary speed. According to the signal request, the fitness tracking device 2, transmits the second motion signal S2 comprising the requested real-time exercise data upon each request of the user device 7. Thus, the first motion signal S1 and the second motion signal S2 are based on the motion sensor data, the first motion signal S1 and the second motion signal S2 are different and the first motion signal S1 comprises more data than the second motion signal S2.

In an embodiment, the fitness tracking device 1 comprises a weight selection pin 11 for selecting the intensity of an exercise in a weight machine. Additionally or alternatively, a universal mounting arrangement 10, being a magnet in this embodiment, may be provided for releasably connecting the fitness tracking device 1 to the exercise equipment 2.

The fitness tracking system 100 further comprises a network device 6 that is provided with a network connection N1 to an internet cloud service 9, such as a UTP or mobile network connection. The network device 6 is a device that is fixed in the fitness environment, for example in the gym building and that allows to transfer data D received from the at least one transmitter 41 to the internet cloud service 9. The network device 6 is configured to receive first motion signals S1 from the at least one fitness tracking device 1 for further processing. Further processing may comprise buffering, local storage and local processing of the first motion signal S1 before being transferred as data D.

The cloud service 9 may comprise a data storage 91 to store the first motion signal S1 and/or other data, such as user information U, and/or comprise fitness analytics algorithms 92 for further analysis and processing. The cloud service 9 may also comprise an access module to control access of different parties, such as (recreational) athletes, fitness environment owners, cloud service providers, to the data storage 91, fitness algorithms 92 or other parts 93 of the cloud service 9. This way, valuable statistics and insights may be provided to a fitness exerciser, but also to other parties 96, such as a cloud service provider, fitness environment owner or personal trainer via the cloud service 9. In particular, the cloud service 9 may be provided with an API 94 for communication via the internet, for example via a second network connection N2 with the user device 7, via a third network connection N3 with an external location 95 or via a fourth network connection N4 with other parties. This way, multiple parties may use data from the fitness tracking device 2 via cloud service 9.

The fitness tracking system 100 also comprises a user device 7, such as a mobile phone, for each of the at least one fitness tracking device 1. The user device 7 is configured to provide user information U to the wireless communication unit via BLE connection B2 and to receive the second motion signal S2 for providing the second motion signal S2 to a user via a phone application. The user device 7 may via the phone application also provide access to the network device 6 and/or to the cloud service 9 connected to the network device 6 in order to provide results from further analysis of the first motion signal S1 with the phone application.

Figure 3A schematically depicts a pin-loaded exercise equipment assembly according to an embodiment of the invention, comprising a fitness tracking device 1 having a weight selection pin 11 for selecting the intensity of an exercise in a pin-loaded machine 2’. As depicted in Figure 3B, the weight selection pin 11 is provided with an outer thread 13. Inside the fitness tracking device, a corresponding inner thread 12 is proved, which substantially corresponds to the outer thread 13, such that the weight selection pin 11 is replaceable and a weight selection pin 11 having other dimensions may be provided.

The pin-loaded machine 2’ comprises weights 22 for influencing an intensity of an exercise. The weights are each provided with a pin opening 24 for insertion of the weight selection pin 11, for example along axis A-A. A numerical weight indicator 23 is provided on each of the weights 22, which shows the total selected weight or intensity for the exercise. On each numerical weight indicator 23, an RFID-tag 8 is provided, with equipment information for the respective weight provided therein.

The fitness tracking device 1 comprises an RFID-reader 5. The RFID-tags 8 are arranged on the weights 22 next to the pin opening 24, such that, upon selection of a weight 22 with the weight selection pin 11 of the fitness tracking device 1, the RFID-reader 5 may read the RFID-tag 8 of the selected weight 22 and equipment information of the selected weight 22 may be determined with the RFID-reader 5.

Figure 3C schematically depicts an exercise equipment assembly, in particular a dumbbell, according to an embodiment of the invention. The dumbbell 2” comprises a handle 25 and weights 26.

The exercise equipment assembly 2” comprises an attachment plate 21, permanently attached to one of the weights 26 of the dumbbell, for example by glue. The attachment plate 21 provides for releasable connection to the mounting arrangement 10 to releasably connect the fitness tracking device 1.

The attachment plate 21 is provided with a marker 8, in particular an RFID-tag, for example embedded in the attachment plate 21. The marker may also be a sticker, QR code or other marker, provided with equipment information for the respective exercise equipment. The marker 8 comprises equipment information, including a MAC-address.

A location of the marker 8 on the attachment plate 21 is such that, upon releasably connecting the fitness tracking device 1 with the attachment plate 21, the equipment information of the respective exercise equipment 2” may be determined with the equipment identifier 5. The equipment identifier is configured to determine the MAC_address from equipment information recorded in the marker, and the transmitter is configured to copy the MAC-address and to transmit on behalf of the respective equipment id by using the respective MAC-address.

For detaching the weight selection pin and mounting the fitness tracking device 1 to the attachment plate 21, the attachment plate 21 may be provided with a first connector (not shown) which is equal to the outer thread 13 of Fig. 3B, and which may be designated as second connector. The fitness tracking device comprises inner thread 12 that corresponds to the outer thread 13, wherein the outer thread 13 of the weight selection pin 11 may be designated as first connector. The first connector and the second connector correspond to each other and are configured to cooperate with the inner thread 12 for selectively releasably connecting the first connector or the second connector.

By means of attachment plate 21 or weight selection pin 11, exercise equipment 2, for example free-weights 2” or weight machines 2’, may be provided conveniently with a fitness tracking device 1.

In use, with the motion sensor 3 of the fitness tracking device 2, motion sensor data that are representative for motions of the exercise equipment are obtained and, when the motion sensor data indicate motion, the fitness tracking device 1 may detect motion and establish a first BTE connection B1 with the network device 6 using the wireless communication unit 4 to transmit a first motion signal S1 on the basis of the motion sensor data to the network device 6.

With the wireless communication unit 4, user information U comprising a device identifier may be received from a user device 7 and/or the network device 6. On the basis of the user information U, the user device 7 may be detected and a second BLE connection B2 is established to transmit with the wireless communication unit 4, a second motion signal S2 on the basis of the motion sensor data to the user device 7 to provide real-time feedback to the user.

However, when no user device 7 is detected, thus when no user information U is received, the step of transmitting the first motion signal S1 to the network device 6 with the wireless communication unit 4 is still performed to allow for further analysis or processing.

The fitness tracking device 1 performs sufficient processing of the motion sensor data for transmitting the second motion signal S2 suitable for providing real-time feedback to the user device 7, without the need for computationally intensive further analysis of the motion sensor data. Computationally intensive further analysis and processing of the motion sensor data may be performed later with cloud service 9, and may be performed upon a first motion signal S1, such that in-depth insights do not require computational power of the fitness tracking device 1 and/or the user device 7.

CLAUSES

Additional and/or alternative embodiments of the invention may be described as follows:

E1. Fitness tracking device adapted to be mounted on exercise equipment, for example free-weights or weight machines, for tracking movements when an exercise is performed with the exercise equipment, wherein the fitness tracking device comprises:

- at least one motion sensor, to provide motion sensor data that are representative for motions of the exercise equipment;

- a wireless communication unit to transmit a signal from the fitness tracking device; characterized in that the wireless communication unit comprises at least one transmitter to transmit a first motion signal to a network device and to transmit a second motion signal to a user device; wherein the first motion signal and the second motion signal are based on the motion sensor data and wherein the first motion signal and the second motion signal are different.

E2. Fitness tracking device according to embodiment E1 , wherein the second motion signal comprises processed motion sensor data, and wherein the first motion signal comprises raw motion sensor data.

E3. Fitness tracking device according to embodiment E1 or E2, wherein the motion sensor comprises at least one of:

- a three-axis accelerometer;

- a three-axis magnetometer;

- a three-axis gyroscope; and/or

- a barometer, wherein the first motion signal comprises one or more of accelerometer data, magnetometer data, gyroscope data and/or barometer data. E4. Fitness tracking device according to embodiment E3, wherein the fitness tracking device is configured to fuse at least two of accelerometer data, magnetometer data, gyroscope data and/or barometer data to determine real-time exercise data, such as a number of repetitions, sets, pauses, a momentary position, momentary speed and momentary acceleration, and wherein the second motion signal comprises the real-time exercise data.

E5. Fitness tracking device according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the wireless communication unit comprises a receiver arranged to receive user information from the user device, wherein the user information is transferred to the network device with the first motion signal, or wherein the receiver is arranged to receive user information from the network device, wherein the user information is transferred to the user device with the second motion signal.

E6. Fitness tracking device according to embodiment E5, wherein the fitness tracking device is configured to detect the user device based on a device identifier in the user information.

E7. Fitness tracking device according to embodiment E6, wherein the fitness tracking device is configured to transmit the first motion signal upon detection of a motion in the motion sensor data; and to transmit the second motion signal upon detection of the user device.

E8. Fitness tracking device according to any of the preceding embodiments, comprising an equipment identifier, such as an RFID-reader, to determine equipment information recorded in a marker, such as an RFID-tag, associated with the exercise equipment; wherein first motion signal and/or the second motion signal comprise the equipment information.

E9. Fitness tracking device according to any of the preceding embodiments, comprising a weight selection pin for selecting the intensity of an exercise in a weight machine.

E10. Pin-loaded exercise equipment assembly, for example a pin-loaded weight machine, comprising:

- a fitness tracking device according to embodiment E8 and E9; and - weights for influencing an intensity of an exercise, wherein the weights are each provided with a marker provided with equipment information for the respective weight, and wherein the markers are arranged on the weights such that, upon selection of a weight with the weight selection pin, equipment information of the selected weight may be determined with the equipment identifier.

E11. Exercise equipment assembly, for example a dumbbell, comprising:

- a fitness tracking device according to embodiment E8; wherein a location of the marker on the attachment plate is such that, upon releasably connecting the fitness tracking device with the attachment plate the equipment information of the respective exercise equipment may be determined with the equipment identifier.

E12. Fitness tracking system, comprising:

- at least one fitness tracking device according to any of the embodiments E1-E9; and

- a network device, configured to receive first motion signals from the at least one fitness tracking device for further processing.

E13. Fitness tracking system according to embodiment E12, comprising a user device, such as a mobile phone, for each of the at least one fitness tracking device, configured to provide user information to the wireless communication unit and to receive the second motion signal for providing the second motion signal to a user, wherein the fitness tracking device is configured to transmit the user information to the network device.

E14. Method for tracking movements of exercise equipment of a fitness tracking device in a fitness tracking system according to any of the embodiments E12-E13, comprising the steps of:

- providing the fitness tracking device and the network device;

- obtaining, with the motion sensor of the fitness tracking device, motion sensor data that are representative for motions of the exercise equipment

- determining whether user information is received by the fitness tracking device; - when no user information is received, transmitting, with the wireless communication unit of the fitness tracking device, a first motion signal to the network device, wherein the first motion signal is based on the motion sensor data; and - when user information is received, transmitting, with the wireless communication unit, a first motion signal to the network device and a second motion signal to the user device, wherein the first motion signal and the second motion signal are based on the motion sensor data and wherein the first motion signal and the second motion signal are different.

E15. Use of a fitness tracking device according to any of the embodiments E1-E9.

E16. Method for equipping exercise equipment, for example free-weights or weight machines, with a fitness tracking device according to any of the embodiments E1- E9.

Claims

1. Fitness tracking device adapted to be mounted on exercise equipment, for example free-weights or weight machines, for tracking movements when an exercise is performed with the exercise equipment, wherein the fitness tracking device comprises:

- a wireless communication unit to transmit a signal from the fitness tracking device; characterized in that the wireless communication unit comprises at least one transmitter to transmit a first motion signal to a network device and to transmit a second motion signal to a user device; wherein the first motion signal and the second motion signal are based on the motion sensor data and wherein the first motion signal and the second motion signal are different, wherein the fitness tracking device is adapted to be mounted on free-weights and weight machines, wherein the fitness tracking device is configured to determine equipment information, and wherein the first motion signal and/or the second motion signal comprise the equipment information.

2. Fitness tracking device according to claim 1 , wherein the equipment information comprises a type of exercise equipment, such as free weights or weight machines.

3. Fitness tracking device according to claim 2, wherein the first motion signal and the second motion signal comprise the equipment information.

4. Fitness tracking device according to any of the claims 1-3 wherein the second motion signal comprises processed motion sensor data, and wherein the first motion signal comprises raw motion sensor data.

5. Fitness tracking device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the motion sensor comprises at least one of:

- a three-axis accelerometer;

- a three-axis magnetometer;

- a three-axis gyroscope; and/or - a barometer, wherein the first motion signal comprises one or more of accelerometer data, magnetometer data, gyroscope data and/or barometer data.

6. Fitness tracking device according to claim 5, wherein the fitness tracking device is configured to fuse at least two of accelerometer data, magnetometer data, gyroscope data and/or barometer data to determine real-time exercise data, such as a number of repetitions, sets, pauses, a momentary position, momentary speed and momentary acceleration, and wherein the second motion signal comprises the real-time exercise data.

7. Fitness tracking device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the wireless communication unit comprises a receiver arranged to receive user information from the user device, wherein the user information is transferred to the network device with the first motion signal, or wherein the receiver is arranged to receive user information from the network device, wherein the user information is transferred to the user device with the second motion signal.

8. Fitness tracking device according to claim 7, wherein the fitness tracking device is configured to detect the user device based on a device identifier in the user information.

9. Fitness tracking device according to claim 8, wherein the fitness tracking device is configured to transmit the first motion signal upon detection of a motion in the motion sensor data; and to transmit the second motion signal upon detection of the user device.

10. Fitness tracking device according to any of the preceding claims, comprising an equipment identifier, such as an RFID-reader, to determine equipment information recorded in a marker, such as an RFID-tag, associated with the exercise equipment; wherein first motion signal and/or the second motion signal comprise the equipment information.

11. Fitness tracking device according to claim 10, wherein the equipment identifier is configured to determine an equipment id, such as a MAC_address, from equipment information recorded in the marker, and wherein the transmitter is configured to transmit on behalf of the equipment id, for example by using the respective MAC-address.

12. Fitness tracking device according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a weight selection pin for selecting the intensity of an exercise in a weight machine.

13. Pin-loaded exercise equipment assembly, for example a pin-loaded weight machine, comprising:

- a fitness tracking device according to claim 10 and 12, or claim 11 and 12; and

- weights for influencing an intensity of an exercise, wherein the weights are each provided with a marker provided with equipment information for the respective weight, and wherein the markers are arranged on the weights such that, upon selection of a weight with the weight selection pin, equipment information of the selected weight may be determined with the equipment identifier.

14. Exercise equipment assembly, for example a dumbbell, comprising:

- a fitness tracking device according to claim 10 or 11; wherein a location of the marker on the attachment plate is such that, upon releasably connecting the fitness tracking device with the attachment plate the equipment information of the respective exercise equipment may be determined with the equipment identifier.

15. Exercise equipment assembly according to claim 14, wherein the attachment plate comprises a first connector, wherein the fitness tracking device comprises an universal mounting arrangement, and further comprising a weight selection pin comprising a second connector, wherein the first connector and the second connector correspond to each other and are configured to cooperate with the universal mounting arrangement for selectively releasably connecting the first connector or the second connector.

16. Fitness tracking system, comprising:

- at least one fitness tracking device according to any of the claims 1-12 or an exercise equipment assembly according to any of the claims 13-15; and - a network device, configured to receive first motion signals from the at least one fitness tracking device for further processing.

17. Fitness tracking system according to claim 16, comprising a user device, such as a mobile phone, for each of the at least one fitness tracking device, configured to provide user information to the wireless communication unit and to receive the second motion signal for providing the second motion signal to a user, wherein the fitness tracking device is configured to transmit the user information to the network device.

18. Method for tracking movements of exercise equipment of a fitness tracking device in a fitness tracking system according to any of the claims 16-17, comprising the steps of:

- providing the fitness tracking device and the network device;

- when no user information is received, transmitting, with the wireless communication unit of the fitness tracking device, a first motion signal to the network device, wherein the first motion signal is based on the motion sensor data; and

- when user information is received, transmitting, with the wireless communication unit, a first motion signal to the network device and a second motion signal to the user device, wherein the first motion signal and the second motion signal are based on the motion sensor data and wherein the first motion signal and the second motion signal are different.

19. Use of a fitness tracking device according to any of the claims 1-12 or an exercise equipment assembly according to any of the claims 13-15 on free-weights and weight machines.

20. Method for equipping exercise equipment, for example free-weights or weight machines, with a fitness tracking device according to any of the claims 1-2 or an exercise equipment assembly according to any of the claims 13-15.