3-d, interactive exercise analysis, gaming, and physical therapy system

Abstract

A system is disclosed for monitoring, recording and analysis of exercise in an exercise machine with a device, such as a handle, that enables a user to push or pull against a resistance. A sensor or “load cell” mounted on the machine produces an electronic signal representing the instantaneous force applied by the user, and an electronic computer or the like, is coupled to receive the electronic signal, for storing values representing the force as a function of time. In another embodiment, a system comprises a resistance member for providing resistance to movement by a user, a sensing device coupled to the resistance member, a force sensor, and a CPU. The sensing device generates a first signal representing the position of the resistance member, and the force sensor generates a second signal representing the force applied to the resistance member by the user. The CPU processes the first and second signals to generate useful images, displays, and audio signals.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENTS AND PATENT APPLICATIONS[0001]This patent application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending, commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 728,928, filed Mar. 22, 2010, entitled “MEDICAL ANALYSIS AND RECORDING SYSTEM,” which in turn is a continuation of commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 491,750, filed Jul. 24, 2006, entitled “MEDICAL ANALYSIS AND RECORDING SYSTEM,” now U.S. Pat. No. 7,682,294, which in turn is based upon and claims priority from commonly assigned U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 714,746, filed Sep. 7, 2005, entitled “MEDICAL ANALYSIS AND RECORDING SYSTEM,” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 749,512, filed Dec. 12, 2005, entitled “MEDICAL ANALYSIS AND RECORDING SYSTEM,” each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This application is also based upon and claims the priority of U.S. Patent Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 212,546, filed Apr. 1...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0024]The exercise system of the invention allows for the creation of interactive games and therapeutic programs whereby the user can gain in strength and power, as well as coordination, balance, aerobic training, movement training, improved reflexes, and / or hand-eye coordination, in a fun, measurable way. All results can be measured, recorded, and compared to norms or their own past results, a set of goals, or results of other challengers. The user's progress can be shown and analyzed, and sent to other data centers via the internet or data storage device, or printed out for therapists to show objective progress; or to other CPU's or monitors for gaming activity, competitions, fitness training, physical therapy, recording, or transfer of medical or fitness history, or simply fun play.

[0074]Interactive platform units such as the Wii Fit systems with balance board designed for users to stand on which can display the user's weight, balance, foot placement, calculate the amount of lean and track and measure cardio and calorie output and jumping forces to work with data from the FMM when the resistance member or members are attached at the proximal end or ends to a belt along with a Wiimote or a similar device at the user's waist and the FMM is attached to the platform. This will allow strength and power gains of the user to be an important part of progression through the game play, or therapy program that strength trains the user's lower body in a fun way. Calorie usage or energy of the user can also be estimated and displayed by using the total amount of power and / or cardio output displayed during the time and using it in a basic formula for estimating the number of calories burned or energy used.

Problems solved by technology

None of the exercise machines disclosed in this prior art provide means for monitoring and recording the tension in a cable that is provided by the resistance device coupled to the distal end of the cable.

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