US20130123070A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20130123070A1
Application number: US13/559,505
Authority: US
Inventors: Wilfried Baatz
Original assignee: Racer-Mate Inc
Current assignee: Racer-Mate Inc
Priority date: 2011-07-28
Filing date: 2012-07-26
Publication date: 2013-05-16

Abstract

A cadence detection system may include a cadence sensor and an exercise device, such as a stationary bike, an indoor cycle trainer, a bicycle trainer, a rowing machine, a stair stepping machine, or the like. In operation, the cadence sensor detects movement of at least one component of the drive train of the exercise device during operation thereof, which in turn, may be utilized for calculating the cadence of the exercise device.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of Provisional Application No. 61/512,858, filed Jul. 28, 2011, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Cycling is a very popular activity for both recreational riders and racing enthusiasts alike. Professional cyclists and triathletes are earning large sums of money through races, sponsorships, and advertisements. Moreover, cycling provides many health benefits for average riders in that it strengthens various muscle groups along with providing aerobic and anaerobic exercise to the user. Furthermore, physicians and physical therapists are turning to stationary cycle devices to rehabilitate patients from automobile, athletic, or work-related injuries. Because of this, there is a demand for indoor, stationary exercise trainers that simulate actual outdoor riding so that professional and recreational cyclists may train or exercise regardless of the weather, and that patients can rehabilitate injuries in the presence of their physicians and physical therapists.

Various stationary cycle trainers have been presented to address this need. Conventional stationary cycle trainers simulate the characteristics of outdoor training by applying a variable resistance device to provide resistance against the pedaling of the rider. The variable resistance device mimics the resistances a rider would face during actual outdoor training such as wind resistance, rolling resistance, and resistances due to riding over varying terrain. The variable resistance devices may be of the wind, fluid, or roller type. Recently, the use of “eddy current” trainers has achieved widespread use due to their ability to simulate the resistance (loads) felt by riders during actual riding.

Further advancements in “eddy current” trainers have allowed for the monitoring and evaluation of the rider's or patient's performance during the exercise session. These trainers generally use a microprocessor/sensor arrangement to calculate several session parameters, such as heart rate, energy exertion, time elapsed, distance and cadence. Currently available sensors for sensing cadence include a reed switch or hall effect sensor mounted directly to the cycle frame, and a magnet base mounted for rotation with one of the cycle crank arms or chain rings. Such cadence sensors generate a pulse signal to be transmitted to the microprocessor each time the magnet base passes the reed switch or hall effect sensor.

The microprocessor of the eddy current trainer is also connected to an electric drive circuit that energizes the electromagnets of the variable resistance device at predetermined times and power levels in order to simulate changes in terrain. An eddy current trainer that uses electromagnets to simulate real life bicycling road conditions, and that uses a microprocessor to evaluate the user's performance as stated above, is currently sold under the trademark COMPUTRAINER by Racermate, Inc., Seattle, Wash.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, a cadence detection system is provided for use during exercise. The system comprises an exercise device having a moveable drivetrain configured to provide a cadence. The moveable drivetrain includes a target surface. The system also includes an optical sensor placed on a surface separate from the exercise device and positioned in optical view of the target surface of the moveable drivetrain. In some embodiments, the optical sensor includes an emitter configured to generate an optical signal for output and a detector configured to detect the optical signal after reflection off of the target surface, wherein the optical sensor is configured to generate an electrical signal based on the detected optical signal. The system also includes a computing device configured to receive the electrical signal from the optical sensor and to calculate at least detected optical sensor signal instances received per unit of time.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a cadence detection system is provided for use during exercise. The system includes at least two exercise devices having moveable drivetrains. Each device is configured to generate a unique cadence and the moveable drivetrains each includes a target surface. The system also includes an optical sensor associated with each exercise device and placed on a surface separate from the associated exercise device. Each optical sensor is positioned in optical view of the target surface of the respective moveable drivetrain. In some embodiments, each of the optical sensors includes an emitter configured to generate optical signals for output and a detector configured to detect the optical signals after reflection off of the respective target surface, and are configured to generate electrical signals based on the detected optical signals. The system also includes a computing device configured to receive the electrical signals from the optical sensors and to calculate at least detected optical sensor signal instances received per unit time.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided for detecting cadence during stationary exercise. The method includes continuously emitting light from a light source having a nominal range, moving a component of a drivetrain into and out of the nominal range, detecting reflected light off of the component, and calculating cadence of the drivetrain.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one example of a cadence detection system formed in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2A is a partial elevational view of the cadence detection system ofFIG. 1 depicting one example of a cadence sensor in cross section and a pedal of an associated stationary bike, indoor cycle trainer, bicycle trainer, or the like, positioned along a portion of its down stroke;

FIG. 2B is a partial elevational view of the cadence detection system ofFIG. 1 depicting one example of a cadence sensor in cross section and a pedal of an associated stationary bike, indoor cycle trainer, bicycle trainer, or the like, positioned at the bottom of its down stroke;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of one example of a sensor suitable for use in the cadence detection system ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of one example of a multi rider environment employing a centralized computing device;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of another example of a cadence detection system formed in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of yet another example of a cadence detection system formed in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of still another example of a cadence detection system formed in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings where like numerals reference like elements is intended as a description of various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter and is not intended to represent the only embodiments. Each embodiment described in this disclosure is provided merely as an example or illustration and should not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The illustrative examples provided herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the claimed subject matter to the precise forms disclosed. Similarly, any steps described herein may be interchangeable with other steps, or combinations of steps, in order to achieve the same or substantially similar result.

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that many embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without some or all of the specific details. In some instances, well-known process steps have not been described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure various aspects of the present disclosure. Further, it will be appreciated that embodiments of the present disclosure may employ any combination of features described herein.

Referring now toFIG. 1, there is shown an exemplary embodiment of a cadence detection system, generally designated20, formed in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Generally, thesystem20 includes acadence sensor22 and anexercise device24, such as a stationary bike, indoor cycle trainer, bicycle trainer, or the like. In the example depicted inFIG. 1, theexercise device24 includes a pedal powered exercise device in the form of abicycle26 having pedal drivendrivetrain28 suitably mounted to an exercise apparatus ortrainer30. As will be described in more detail below, thecadence sensor22 detects movement of at least one component of thedrive train28 during operation of theexercise device24, which in turn, may be utilized for calculating the cadence of theexercise device24.

Still referring toFIG. 1, the components of thecadence detection system20 will now be described in more detail. As best shown in the embodiment ofFIG. 1, theexercise device24 may include abicycle26 operatively mounted to atrainer30. Thebicycle26 in one embodiment includes aframe34, afront fork36 mounted to the front of theframe34, andhandlebars38 mounted to an upper end offront fork36. Afront wheel40 is mounted for rotation onfront fork36 in a conventional manner. Alternatively, thefront wheel40 may be omitted and thefront fork36 may be mounted onto a stationary mount. Thebicycle26 also includes aseat42 and a drivenrear wheel46, which are mounted to theframe34 rearwardly of thehandlebars38 and thefront wheel40.

Thebicycle26 further includes adrivetrain28 to transmit power from the rider to the drivenrear wheel46. In that regard, theframe34 further supports a crank set50. The crank set50 is operatively connected to theframe34 via a spindle/bearing combination known as a bottom bracket (hidden inFIG. 1). The crank set50 generally includes one or more chain rings54 or front sprockets, a left hand crankarm56 and a right hand crank arm (hidden inFIG. 1), aleft hand pedal58 mounted on a left-hand crankarm56, and a right-hand pedal (hidden inFIG. 1) mounted on a right-hand crank arm. Rotation of the left-hand and right-hand pedals imparts rotation to ahub60 of therear wheel46 via a chain and cogwheel orrear sprocket arrangement64. The rotational speed, in revolutions per minute, of the crank set50 or parts thereof, is typically referred to as “cadence.”

Still referring toFIG. 1, thetraining device30, on which thebicycle26 is mounted, may include aframe70, aresistance generator74, such as an eddy current brake, wind brake, fluid brake, etc., ashaft76 and aflywheel78. Theframe70 is formed of a U-shapedforward frame member80 and a U-shapedrear frame member82. The ends of the

frame members

80 and82 are pivotally joined at apivot84. The forward and rear

U-shaped frame members

80 and82 rotate with respect to each other aroundpivot84. This rotational movement allows theframe70 to be moved between a collapsed position (not shown) and an extended position (FIG. 1). In the collapsed position, the forward and

rear frame members

80 and82 lie adjacent to each other while in the extended position or the forward and rear members form an upside-down V, as illustrated inFIG. 1.

The rear end of theframe34 of thebicycle26 is mounted within theframe70 of thetraining device30 at thepivot point84. When placed in theframe70, the rotational axis of therear wheel46 as defined by thehub60 is aligned with thepivot84. Theresistance generator74 is mounted on the lower crossbar of the rearU-shaped frame member82. In the embodiment shown, theresistance generator74 is in the form of an eddy current brake that includes a housing in which the mechanics and electronics for the eddy current brake are located. Ashaft76 extends from theresistance generator74 and is operatively coupled thereto. Theshaft76 is rotatably mounted within opposing bearings (hidden inFIG. 1) in the arms of asupport bracket88. Thesupport bracket88 is, in turn, attached to the rearU-shaped frame member82 so that therear wheel46 contacts theshaft76 and causes the shaft to rotate as therear wheel146 rotates.

Still referring toFIG. 1, acomputing device90, which may be in the form of a bicycle computer, a microprocessor, a programmable circuitry, or the like, may be secured to or otherwise associated with thebicycle26. In one embodiment, thecomputing device90 is secured to the bicycle in a suitable location, such as to thehandlebar38. Thecomputing device90 may include a memory for storing information pertaining to one or more operating characteristics of thebicycle26, such as elapsed time, speed, distance, etc., and an optional display for conveying relevant information to the user during operation of thebicycle26. In the embodiment shown, thecomputing device90 may also be connected to an electric drive circuit of the eddy current brake for energizing the electromagnets of the eddy current brake at predetermined times and power levels in order to simulate changes in terrain. Alternatively, thecomputing device90 can be centralized and/or located remote from theexercise device24, and in one embodiment shown inFIG. 4, is capable of supporting a multi-rider environment via suitable software, such as those commercially available from Racermate, Inc., Seattle, Wash. In such an embodiment, a display92 may be associated with each exercise device for conveying operational information of the associated exercise device and/or operational information from one or more of the other exercise devices in the multi-rider environment.

FIG. 1 further illustrates acadence sensor22 that is positioned on a support surface, such as the floor, below one of the bicycle pedals, such asleft pedal58. Thecadence sensor22 is configured to sense each revolution of the pedal58, and generate signals indicative thereof. The generated signals can be outputted to thecomputing device90 for processing, display, etc. The signals generated by thecadence sensor22 can be subsequently utilized by thecomputing device90 to calculate the number of pedal strokes per minute or revolutions per minute (RPMs) of the pedals. It will be appreciated that the revolutions per minute (RPMs) of the pedals can be calculated by known techniques in the art. In that regard, in one embodiment, thecomputing device90 may include a timer for keeping time, and a counter for tracking the number of signals generated by thecadence sensor22 over a period of time. Thecomputing device90 may then calculate the pedal revolutions per minute (RPMs) by taking the number of signals generated by thecadence sensor22 and dividing that by the period of time over which the signals where counted. The period of time, for example, can be a minute (i.e., 60 seconds) or any fraction of a minute (e.g., ¼, 1/10, 1/20, 1/30, 1/60, etc.).

In other embodiments, thecadence sensor22 may be configured to accumulate the number of instances the component of the drivetrain is detected over a predetermined period of time. Thecadence sensor22 may be further configured to transmit the accumulated signals to the computing device at a determined time interval for further processing. In some embodiments, thecadence sensor22 may also include circuitry to process the signals indicative of each revolution of the pedal58, and to calculate the current cadence associated with the exercise device.

Turning now toFIGS. 2A-2B, there is shown a cross sectional view of one example of thecadence sensor22 formed in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. As best shown inFIG. 2A, thecadence sensor22 generally includes asensor96 mounted, for example, within aprotective enclosure98. Generally described, thecadence sensor22 acts as a proximity sensor or switch that generates a signal upon detection of a target, such as thepedal58, and as such, generates a signal for each revolution of the pedal.

In the embodiment shown inFIG. 3, thesensor96 comprises anemitter102, adetector104, and associateddevice circuitry106. Theemitter102, such as an LED, emits a beam of light110 (SeeFIGS. 2A and 2B), such as infrared light, at a high speed, under control of thedevice circuitry106. On the other hand, thedetector104, such as a photodiode or the like, senses any of the emitted beams of light110 that was reflected off the target, such as thebicycle pedal58, referred herein as “reflected light114.” In response to the reception of reflected light114 (SeeFIG. 2B), thedetector104 and/ordevice circuitry106 generates a signal for output via a communication link, such assignal cable116, to thecomputing device90 or the like. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B, theenclosure98 includes a base124 detachably connected to a lid or cover128 via any fastening technique that provides a secure coupling between the base and thecover128 when connected thereto but also provides selective decoupling for separating the base and the cover. One such fastening technique that may be practiced with embodiments of the present invention is a threaded connection, as shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B. Thesensor96 is mounted on a planar surface of thebase124, such as uponboss130, and aligned below a centralized opening orwindow132 in thecover128. Aprotective lens138 is positioned over thesensor96 and aligned with theopening132 of thecover128 between the base124 and thecover128. In the embodiment shown, thelens138 and theboss130 of the base124 cooperate to ensconce thesensor96. Thelens138 can be made of glass, plastic, etc., and is translucent or transparent such that the beam of light emitted from the sensor96 (via emitter102) can pass through thewindow portion140 of thelens138 to the exterior of the enclosure98 a predetermined distance, thereby defining the nominal range of thecadence sensor22 and shown as by thearrow144 inFIG. 2B, and similarly, reflectedlight114 of a suitable intensity, which has been reflected by the target, can pass back through thelens138 and be detected by the sensor96 (via detector104). Aseal146 may be provided between thecover128 and theprotective lens138 in order to keep dirt and other debris from thesensor96.

In one embodiment, thelens138 is dome shaped and is constructed out of transparent glass. In this embodiment, thelens138 is of suitable thickness to provide compression strength to withstand the force of a rider's foot stepping or falling onto thesensor22.

The operation of one embodiment of thecadence detection system20 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure will now be described in detail. In operation, the rider rotates the pedals of thebicycle26, which in turn, drives therear wheel46 against theshaft76, which in turn, rotates against the resistance generated by theresistance generator74. In some embodiments, as the rider turns the pedals, thecomputing device90 outputs commands to the resistance generator. These commands can, for example, instruct the resistance generator to energize the load generator, such as an eddy brake, at predetermined times and power levels in order to simulate changes in terrain.

During use of theexercise device24, thecadence sensor22 detects the rotation of thedrivetrain28, and if desired, calculates the cadence of the rider in real-time or near real-time (e.g., rolling increment of1 second,5 seconds, etc.). In that regard, thedevice circuitry106 drives theemitter102 to emit a beam oflight110, such as infrared light, at high speed. The beam oflight114 emitted from theemitter102 passes through thelens138 and out through theopening132 of thecover128 to thenominal range144 of thecadence sensor22. With every revolution of, for example, theleft pedal58, the pedal passes through thenominal range144 of thecadence sensor22. As it passes through the nominal range of thecadence sensor22, the beam oflight110 emitted from theemitter102 reflects off of the pedal58 as reflected light114 back toward thedetector104. Thedetector104 then detects the reflectedlight114, and in response to the detection of the reflectedlight114, thedevice circuitry106 and/or thedetector104 generates a signal for output via a communication link, such assignal cable116. In this way, thecadence sensor22 generates a signal for each revolution of thepedal58. The generated signals can be transmitted tocomputing device90 or the like and utilized thereby for calculating the number of pedal strokes per minute or revolutions per minute (RPMs) of the pedals. In one embodiment, thecadence sensor22 is arranged and configured such that a signal is generated when thepedal58 is positioned at its maximum or lowest position during its down stroke.

While thesystem20 has be shown herein and described above with a bicycle/trainer combination as the exercise device, other pedal powered exercise devices and non-pedal powered exercise devices may also be employed. For example, a

cadence detection system

220,320 may be comprised of an upright type or recumbent style

stationary bicycle

224,324, respectively, and thecadence sensor22, as best shown inFIGS. 5 and 6. Additionally, acadence detection system420 may be comprised of a crosscountry skiing trainer424 and thecadence sensor22, as best shown inFIG. 7. Other non-pedal powered exercise devices may also be employed in embodiments of the present disclosure, such as stair stepping machines, rowing machines etc.

Various principles, representative embodiments, and modes of operation of the present disclosure have been described in the foregoing description. However, aspects of the present disclosure which are intended to be protected are not to be construed as limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. Further, the embodiments described herein are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. It will be appreciated that variations and changes may be made by others, and equivalents employed, without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all such variations, changes, and equivalents fall within the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter.

Claims

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. A cadence detection system for use during exercise, comprising:

an exercise device having a moveable drivetrain configured to provide a cadence, the moveable drivetrain including a target surface;

an optical sensor placed on a surface separate from the exercise device and positioned in optical view of the target surface of the moveable drivetrain, the optical sensor including an emitter configured to generate an optical signal for output and a detector configured to detect the optical signal after reflection off of the target surface, wherein the optical sensor is configured to generate an electrical signal based on the detected optical signal; and

a computing device configured to receive the electrical signal from the optical sensor and to calculate at least detected optical sensor signal instances received per unit of time.

2. The cadence detection system ofclaim 1, wherein: the emitter has a nominal range; the drivetrain includes a pedal with the target surface thereon and having a pedal stroke; and the target surface of the pedal enters the nominal range at the maximum position of the pedal stroke.

3. The cadence detection system ofclaim 2, wherein the maximum position of the pedal stoke occurs at a position closest to the optical sensor.

4. The cadence detection system ofclaim 1, wherein the emitter of the optical sensor uses an LED light source, wherein the LED light source emits one of infrared and visible light.

5. The cadence detection system ofclaim 1, wherein the surface separate from the exercise device is a substantially horizontal surface that supports the exercise device.

6. The cadence detection system ofclaim 1, wherein the computing device includes a display to convey information to a user during operation of the exercise device.

7. The cadence detection system ofclaim 1, wherein the computing device is mounted to the exercise device.

8. The cadence detection system ofclaim 1, wherein the computing device is capable of simultaneously supporting two or more optical sensors, each optical sensor associated with a discrete exercise device.

9. The cadence detection system ofclaim 1, wherein the exercise device includes one of an upright stationary bike, an indoor cycle trainer, a bicycle trainer, a recumbent stationary bike, an elliptical trainer, and a cross country skiing trainer.

10. The cadence detection system ofclaim 1, wherein the target surface is at least a part of a pedal or a crankset.

11. A cadence detection system for use during exercise, comprising:

at least two exercise devices having moveable drivetrains, each configured to generate a unique cadence, the moveable drivetrains each including a target surface;

an optical sensor associated with each exercise device and placed on a surface separate from the associated exercise device, each optical sensor positioned in optical view of the target surface of the respective moveable drivetrain, wherein each of the optical sensors includes an emitter configured to generate optical signals for output and a detector configured to detect the optical signals after reflection off of the respective target surface, wherein each of the optical sensors are configured to generate electrical signals based on the detected optical signals; and

a computing device configured to receive the electrical signals from the optical sensors and to calculate at least detected optical sensor signal instances received per unit time.

12. The cadence detection system ofclaim 11, further comprising a display associated with each exercise device, wherein each display is configured to convey information to a user during operation of the exercise device.

13. The cadence detection system ofclaim 12, wherein the information conveyed to the user by the display corresponds to one or more operational parameters of the exercise device associated with the display.

14. The cadence detection system ofclaim 13, wherein the information conveyed to the user by the display corresponds to one or more operational parameters of an exercise device associated with a different display and at least one additional user.

15. The cadence detection system ofclaim 12, wherein the at least two exercise devices are substantially similar and selected from the group consisting of an upright stationary bike, an indoor cycle trainer, a bicycle trainer, a recumbent stationary bike, an elliptical trainer, and a cross country skiing trainer.

16. A method of detecting cadence during stationary exercise, comprising:

continuously emitting light from a light source having a nominal range;

moving a component of a drivetrain into and out of the nominal range;

detecting reflected light off of the component; and

calculating cadence of the drivetrain.

17. The method ofclaim 16, wherein the component of the drivetrain enters the nominal range at the maximum stroke position of the drivetrain.

18. The method ofclaim 17, wherein the optical sensor is configured to send the signal to the computing device each time the component is detected.

19. The method ofclaim 17, wherein the optical sensor is configured to send the signal to the computing device at a determined time interval, the signal transmitting the number of instances the component is detected during said time interval.

20. The method ofclaim 17, wherein the computing device displays information associated with operation of the exercise device to a user.