CALORIE COUNTER FOR WEIGHT LIFTING

[0001] This application is a non-provisional application that claims the benefit of priority under 35 USC 119 to U.S. Ser. No. 11/204,673, filed 16 Aug. 2005, which is incorporated by reference as if fully recited herein.

[0002] The present invention relates generally to an apparatus, device, and method for measuring an amount of calories expended by a person who is performing a physical activity. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus, device, and method of measuring ad displaying an amount of calories expended during a weight lifting activity.

[0003] Providing persons who engage in physical activity with information about the intensity of their workouts has become very popular. Weight lifters, like all athletes, value the ability of knowing the details about different fitness parameters, such as how much weight they are lifting, how many repetitions they have done, and the amount of power they have expended. Fitness parameters like these are important for keeping track of athletic progress and setting workout goals.

[0004] The knowledge of how many calories are expended during weight lifting and exercise in general has also become increasingly popular in today's society. For many persons, particularly those engaged in physical activity for weight-loss reasons, personal fitness goals may be set in the form of calories expended. For others, calories expended may simply serve as a guideline for the proper intensity of a workout. For all persons, knowledge of the amount of calories expended allows them to keep better track of their personal performance and fitness goals, and, ultimately, to perform better.

[0005] When it comes to weight lifting and weight training, knowing the amount of calories expended through lifting weights is particularly important. For persons who engage in weight lifting for weight loss purposes, the amount of calories expended during a lifting workout may be indicative of how much fat they are burning. Persons who engage in the sports of body building and body sculpting are also particularly concerned with how many calories they are expending. Body builders and body sculptors strive to have muscular bodies and very little body fat. The less fat on a person's body, the more “sculpted” that person's body looks. Since the burning of fat is directly related to caloric expenditure, body builders and body sculptors also place a high value on having accurate knowledge of the amount of calories expended while lifting weights.

[0006] Many cardiovascular exercise machines, such as elliptical trainers and treadmills, are provided with electronic monitoring devices that measure and display the amount of calories expended by the user during their use of a particular machine. However, it is much more difficult for a person engaged in weight lifting to gain even a somewhat accurate knowledge of how many calories they have expended by lifting weights. Weights do not contain electronic devices that monitor usage. Since weight lifting does not typically involve continuous activity, like most cardiovascular machines, it is difficult for a lifter to use a “rule of thumb” method and apply an average rate of caloric expenditure to their workout time to determine their caloric expenditure. Furthermore, the inherent nature of weight lifting is often the ability of weights of different measure to be transferred from one type of equipment to another, and placed in various combinations with each other. An example would be the ability of two 10 lb free weights to be placed on a leg press by themselves or on a barbell with two 50 lb free weights. This interchangeable nature of weights and weight lifting equipment makes it even more difficult for a weight lifter to determine his or her caloric expenditure. The speed with which a lifter lifts a weight affects the amount of calories burned. Depending on the lifter, this speed may vary greatly. Another factor that makes it difficult to determine caloric expenditure is that the distance a weight is lifted varies greatly depending on the lifter, the amount of weight they are lifting, the type of exercise they are engaging in and personal lifting style. For this reason, caloric expenditure can be assessed is if it is calculated based on the distance each weight is lifted each time. This of course is a difficult and time-consuming task for any weight lifter to do. Further compounded with the fact that during a typical weight workout a lifter will use several different types of machines with different amounts of weight, the task of calculating cumulative caloric expenditure becomes virtually impossible.

[0007] It is therefore desirable to have an apparatus which can measure the amount of calories expended by a lifter in displacing a weight. It is also desirable to have an apparatus which can measure the amount of calories expended during a lifting workout involving different weight exercises with various pieces of weight equipment.

[0008] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention include an apparatus, device, and method for measuring the amount of calories expended by a person while lifting a weight. One exemplary embodiment apparatus of the present invention may be comprised of a sensor that detects the relative displacement of the weight being lifted, a computer that calculates the amount of calories expended in lifting the weight, and a display that allows the user to see the amount of calories expended. An exemplary embodiment may also include a device that computes and displays the amount of caloric expenditure to a user. Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention method of determining caloric expenditure during weight lifting through the use of a sensor, computer, and display.

[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus of the present invention. In the example illustrated, the apparatus is associated with a free weight 100 that may be lifted by a user. The apparatus includes a string sensor 10, which contains means for sensing and communicating the displacement of a free weight 100 relative to a sensor 10. The string sensor 10 is contained within a sensor housing 12. In an exemplary embodiment a sensor housing 12 is made of plastic, although in other embodiments other materials may be used. In many embodiments the components of the string sensor 10 will be sized so that the entire string sensor 10 and sensor housing 12 are portable and can easily be moved to different pieces of weight equipment by a user.

[0029] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1 the string sensor 10 is physically connected to the free weight 100 by a string 14 that is attached to the free weight 100 by an attaching means 16. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1 the attaching means 16 is a hook and loop fastener, such as commercially available VELCRO. However, in other embodiments of the present invention the attaching means 16 may be of a different form, including hooks, adhesives, magnets, and strappings made of various materials. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 the string 14 is attached to the free weight 100 through the bar 110. However, depending on the type of weight being lifted and the preference of the user, in other embodiments of the present invention the string 14 may be attached to any part of a weight or associated part that moves when the weight is lifted. Examples include the weight itself, weight handles, pins, weight plates, and weight bars.

[0030] A computer 18 receives signals from the string sensor 10 and performs calculations of various fitness parameters based on those signals. As shown in FIG. 1, the string sensor 10 and computer 18 may be interconnected through a cable 20 that allows the string sensor 10 to communicate signals to the computer 18, and may also provide power to the string sensor 10. The cable 20 may also serve as a power source for the string sensor 10. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention the cable 20 is sufficiently long so that the string sensor 10 may be placed at a distance away from the computer 18. However, in other embodiments of the present invention the computer 16 and the sensor 10 may be connected by a much shorter cable, by more than one cable, or connected together in one device. In some embodiments of the present invention the string sensor 10 and computer 18 may not be attached by a cable 20. In these embodiments, the computer 18 and string sensor 10 may communicate wirelessly. Examples of wireless ways in which the computer 18 and string sensor 10 may communicate include infrared or wireless technology, such as BLUETOOTH wireless technology which is commercially available from BLUETOOTH SIG, INC.

[0031] In one exemplary embodiment, information processed by the computer 18 of the present invention may be communicated to a user through a display 22 that is part of a larger display console 24. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIG. 1, both the computer 18 and display 22 are contained in a display console 24. In other embodiments of the present invention, the computer 18 may be contained within the sensor housing 12 along with the string sensor 10, and may communicate to the display console 24 through a cable or wireless means. In other embodiments of the present invention, the computer 18 is contained within the sensor housing 12 and the display 22 may be integrated into the outside of the sensor housing 12. In this embodiment of the present invention, the system consists of one portable unit, and there is no separate display console 24.

[0032] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention the display console 24 may be portable and can be easily transported by the user. As shown in the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 1, the display console 24 may be placed on a stand 120 or placed in another location in the vicinity of the user as desired. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention the display console 24 may be located near the user and is positioned so that the display 22 may be easily seen by the user. In some embodiments of the present invention the display console 24 may be mounted on a weight, weight machine, or other structure in the vicinity of the user so that it may be easily viewed by the user while he or she lifts the weight. This may be done by placing the display console 24 in a console holder 26 (shown in FIG. 4) located on a machine. In other embodiments of the present invention the display console 24 may be mounted through the use of straps, magnets, hooks, hook and loop fasteners, adhesives, or other mounting means.

[0033] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention as associated with a dumbbell and a weight bench. In this example, the string sensor 10 is located on the floor at the base of the weight bench 140. The attaching means 16 for the string is a magnet that has been placed onto the side of the dumbbell 130.

[0034] In the schematic illustration of FIG. 3 the exemplary embodiment is associated with a barbell 150 and a rack 160. The string sensor 10 may be located at the base of the rack 160 and the string 14 may be attached to the bar of the barbell 160. The attaching means 16 may be a magnet that has been placed onto the side of the barbell 150. The display console 24 may be mounted to the side of the rack 160.

[0035] In the schematic illustration of FIG. 4 an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is associated with an exercise device 170 designed for home or gym use. The string sensor 10 may be located at the base of the exercise device 170 and the display console 24 may be located in a console holder 26 which as been attached to the exercise device 170. The attaching means 16 of the string 14 may be a magnet. In the illustrative embodiments of FIG. 4 there is no cable 20 connecting the display console 24 to the string sensor 10. Communication between the string sensor 10 and the computer 18 may be accomplished through wireless means; such as, BLUETOOTH, infrared technology, or any other technology that allows wireless communication. However, optionally, wired communication between string sensor 10 and the computer may be employed through the use of cable 20.

[0036] In the schematic illustration of FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 exemplary embodiments of the present invention are represented with various elements integrated into an exercise device 170. The exemplary embodiment in FIG. 5 shows the string sensor 10 located at the base of the exercise device 170. The attaching means 16 of the string 14 may be a magnet. In this exemplary embodiment, either wired or wireless communication between the string sensor 10 and the computer 18 may be employed. The computer 18 may be located within the structure of the exercise device 170 or in the sensor housing 12. The display 22 may be integrated into the exercise device 170 to provide viewing of the display 22 and access to the user interface 70. The integration of the display 22 into the exercise device eliminates the need to transport the display console 24. At least one port is provided at the location of the computer 18 to allow the user to connect with the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 6 shows an exemplary embodiment of the present invention wherein the present invention may be integrated into an exercise device 170. The computer 18 may be located within the structure of the exercise device 170. The display may be integrated into the exercise device 170 to provide viewing of the display 22 and access to the user interface 70. The string sensor 10 may be integrated with the exercise device 170 by using a pulley 15 of the exercise device 170 to replace the string reel 32. In this exemplary embodiment, the string sensor 10 measures the amount of wire 25 passing over the pulley 15 to determine the exercise parameters. The string sensor 10 may be in wired or wireless communication with the computer 18. At least one port 82 and 83 may be provided at the location of the computer to allow the user to connect with the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 7 shows an exemplary embodiment of the present invention wherein the string sensor 10 may be integrated into an exercise device 170. The computer 18 may be located in the display console 24. The display console 24 may be attached to the exercise device 170 by a console holder 26. The string sensor 10 may be integrated into the exercise device 170 by using a pulley 15 of the exercise device 170 to replace the string reel 32. In this embodiment, the string sensor 10 measures the amount of wire 25 passing over the pulley 15 to determine the exercise parameters. The string sensor 10 may be in either wired or wireless communication with the computer 18. At least one port 82 and 83 may be provided at the location of the computer to allow the user to connect with the device.

[0039] The present invention can be associated with various types of exercise equipment other than those illustrated in the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 1-7. The present invention may be used in association with virtually any type of weight equipment including various home gyms, flex-rod machines weight bars, dumbbells, circuit machines, hydraulic machines, and plate loaded machines.

[0040] FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the string sensor 10 as shown in FIG. 1. In an exemplary embodiment, the string sensor 10 may include a potentiometric mechanism 28 and an infrared sensor system 30, which may be contained inside the sensor housing 12 and therefore not depicted in FIG. 8. Although in another embodiment the sensor housing 12 has a cylindrical shape similar to the shape of the potentiometric mechanism 28 contained within, in other embodiments of the present invention the sensor housing 12 may have a variety of shapes. For example, the sensor housing may be shaped like a box or have a conical shape. In other embodiment, the string sensor 10 may be integrated into an exercise device 170.

[0041] As shown in the perspective view of FIG. 9, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention the potentiometric mechanism 28 may be comprised of a reel 32 which may be supported on a shaft 34 by bearing mechanisms 36. The shaft 34 may be rotatably supported by the sensor housing 12. As shown in FIG. 8 the shaft 34 may extend through the side of the sensor housing 12. However, in other embodiments the shaft may be supported by other types of support elements. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a string 14 of the string sensor 10 may extend through an opening 38 in the sensor housing 12 and may be wound around the reel 32. When a sufficient amount of tension is applied to the outer end 40 of the string 14, the reel 32 may rotate and the string 14 is unwound from the reel 32. In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the inner end of the string 14 is attached to the reel 32 to prevent the complete removal of the string 14 from the reel 32. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the string 14 is no more than seven feet long and less than a half inch in diameter. However, in other embodiments of the present invention the string 14 may be of a longer length or larger diameter. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the string 14 is also made out of a material that can support high tension such as multi-strain steel. However, in other embodiments different materials may be used. In some embodiments of the present invention the potentiometric mechanism 28 may include a ratchet wheel 44 and corresponding pawl 46 that ensure that the reel 32 rotates in only one direction while a weight is being lifted.

[0042] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and as shown in FIG. 9, the reel 32 may be spring loaded 48 to allow for automatic retraction of the string 14. In other embodiments of the present invention, different mechanisms may be used for automatic retraction. Automatic retraction allows an exemplary embodiment to be utilized during weight exercises that involve repetitive motions. An example of this would be the repetitive lifting and lowering of a dumbbell by a user doing an arm curl, the apparatus of which is shown in FIG. 1. When the dumbbell 130 is raised, and moves in a direction away from the string sensor 10, tension is applied on the string 14 which causes the reel 32 to rotate and unwind the string 14. The unwinding of the string 14 continues until the user has raised the dumbbell 130 to its farthest position relative to the string sensor 10. At this point, the amount of tension on the reel 32 may be insufficient to rotate the reel 32 any further, but strong enough to prevent the string 14 from being retracted. When the dumbbell 130 is lowered, and the tension on the string 14 is relieved, the reel 32 retracts the string 14. In doing so, it reduces the slack in the string 14. The automatic retraction may continue until the dumbbell 130 reaches its closest point relative to the string sensor 10. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the automatic retraction of the string 14 may cease once the reel 32 has spooled a predetermined amount of string 14. In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the automatic retraction of the string 14 will cease once the attaching means 16 comes in contact with the opening 38. This prevents the string 14 from being completely retracted into the sensor housing 12 and completely spooled around the reel 28. In an exemplary embodiment, it may also preferable that a certain length of string 14 remain outside of the sensor housing 12 so that it may be easily accessed by the user.

[0043] As shown in the perspective view of FIG. 10, the infrared sensor system 30 of the string sensor 10 may be comprised of an encoding disk 50, an infrared emitter 52, an infrared sensor 54 that has at least one receiver, and a substrate circuit 56. The encoding disk 50 may be attached to one side of the reel 32 in such a way that it rotates at the same speed as the reel 28. The substrate circuit 56 may be located over the encoding disk 50 in such a way that the infrared emitter 52 and sensor 54, both of which are associated with the substrate circuit 56, are located on either side of the encoding disk 50. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the substrate circuit 56 may be a printed circuit board (PCB). However, in other embodiments of the present invention different types of circuits may be used. As shown in FIG. 10, the infrared sensor 54 may be located in a position directly across the encoding disk 50 from the infrared emitter 52. In an exemplary embodiment, the infrared sensor 44 and emitter 52 may be positioned such that when the encoding disk 50 is rotating the infrared sensor 54 can receive the corresponding pulses of infrared light from the infrared emitter 52. The substrate circuit 56 can then translate these pulses into electronic signals which are sent to the computer 18 to be used for determining the relative displacement of the weight being lifted to the string sensor and the related fitness parameters. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the infrared sensor 54 may have two receivers that produce two independent signals. Depending on which signal is received first by the computer, the computer is able to determine whether the reel is rotating in a clockwise or counterclockwise fashion. In one example, the signals from the infrared sensor may be communicated to the computer via a Schmidt circuit, which translates the original signals into square wave signals which may be read by the computer 18. However, in other exemplary embodiments of the present invention different forms of circuitry may be used.

[0044] FIG. 11 shows an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the sensor housing 12, may have an accelerometer 13. In this exemplary embodiment, the sensor housing 12, containing the accelerometer, may be attached to the weight. The accelerometer 13 may communicate data to the computer 18 regarding the movement of the weight while it is being lifted. The communication between the accelerometer 13 and the computer 18 may be accomplished through a wired or a wireless means. The computer 18 may then use the data from the accelerometer to calculate the displacement of the weight and the related fitness parameters, such as caloric expenditure and speed. The computer may either be located with the accelerometer 13 in the sensor housing 12 or in the display console 24. The exercise data may then be communicated visually to the user through the display 22. One skilled in the art would recognize that the accelerometer 13 may be used in other embodiments of the present invention described herein.

[0045] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and as shown in FIGS. 1-4, the string sensor 10 is located below the weight that is being lifted by the user, such as on the ground or otherwise at the base of a piece of weight equipment. However, in other embodiments of the present invention the string sensor 10 may be located in a different direction relative to the weight being lifted. FIG. 12 shows the string sensor 10 located above the weight being lifted. In this configuration the string sensor 10 may measure the amount of string retracted to the spool to determine the amount of distance the weight traveled. FIG. 12 also shows the string sensor 10 and the display console 24 in wireless communication with each other.

[0046] In other exemplary embodiments the string sensor 10 may be mounted to a piece of weight equipment or other structure. The mounting means for attaching the sensor 10 may include magnets, hook and loop fasteners, adhesives, strappings, hooks, clips, or other means. In one exemplary embodiment, it may be preferable that the sensor 10 be attached to a structure that will remain stationary while the user is lifting the weight. This may ensure that the sensor 10 will accurately detect the relative displacement of the weight being lifted, and that the system as a whole can provide the user with accurate information about his or her weight lifting. Both the rack 160 in FIG. 3 and the exercise device in FIG. 4 are examples of structures that the string sensor 10 may be attached to.

[0047] FIG. 13 is a front elevation view of an embodiment of the display console 24 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 13, the display 22 is a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel. However, in other embodiments the display 22 may be a light emitting diode (LED) display, fluorescent panel, or other form of display. In this embodiment multiple parameters of the user's workout may be visually displayed. One of these parameters is the amount of calories expended 58. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention the display 22 may provide the user with the cumulative amount of calories burned during a workout, and not just those expended in lifting a certain weight one time. Other parameters of the user's workout that may also be shown on the display include, but are not limited to, the amount of weight being lifted 60, the power necessary for lifting a weight a certain distance 62, the power factor of the lift 64, the amount of time the user has been lifting weights 66, or the body weight of the user 68. The exemplary values of the parameters shown in FIG. 13 were calculated for a person weighing approximately 190 lbs who lifts a 200 lb one time. Some embodiments of the present invention may visually display information for more than one user at a time.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 13, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention the display console 24 may contain a user interface 70. The user interface 70 allows the user to interact with and control the calculations of the computer 18. The user interface 70 may include keys 72 that allow the user to control the calculations of the computer 18, the display of information, and allow different users of the display console to obtain their personal information. For example, the keys 72 may allow a user to input the amount of weight they are lifting, or allow the user to turn the display console 24 on and off. Other embodiments of the present invention may have different types of user interfaces 70 that allow the user to interact with the apparatus through other means. Examples include touch screens, buttons, and keypads.

[0049] FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of the display console as embodied in FIG. 13. As shown in the example of FIG. 14, the user interface includes an audio system for generating audible signals. The display console 24 may have at least one speaker 74 for providing audible signals to the user, and the computer 18 may contain the necessary electronic components for creating audio signals. Although the speaker 74 may be located on the backside of the display console 24 in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 14, in other embodiments the speaker may be located elsewhere on the display console 24. Audible signals may allow a user to obtain information about their weight lifting parameters without having to look directly at the display console 24. For example, the computer 18 may calculate the proper amount of rest time between repetitions and communicate these rest times to the user using audible signals. This may provide the user with more freedom in movement, allow them to focus more on their weight lifting, and be more conducive overall to the setting and atmosphere of weight lifting. USB ports 82 and 83 may be positioned on the rear of the display console 24 allowing the user to upload or download information to the computer 18. More than two USB input/output ports may be utilized with an exemplary embodiment of present invention. In other exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the USB ports 82 and 83 may be located on the sensor housing 12 or within the structure of an exercise device 170.

[0050] FIG. 15 is a front elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of the display console 24 of the present invention. As shown, the display console 24 may have a display 22. The display 22 may have an upper portion 90 and a lower portion 92. The display 22 may be a LCD panel, LED display, fluorescent panel, or other form of display. The lower portion of the display 92 may be a touch sensitive screen. Several parameters of the user's workout may be shown on the display 22 including, but not limited to, the weight lifted 60, the power factor of the lift 64, the calories expended during exercise 58, the speed of the lift 96, the amount of time a user has been lifting weights 66, the body weight of the user 68, the amount of time a user should rest between sets 100, a visual confirmation of which user should be exercising 102, watts produced during the lift 99 or a battery charge indicator 98. In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the computer 18 and the display 22 may be formatted to allow the exercise parameters of multiple users to be displayed simultaneously.

[0051] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the display console 24 may contain a user interface 70. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the user interface 70 may be located on the lower portion of the display 92. The user may utilize the touch sensitive screen of the display's lower portion 92 to interact with the user interface 70. The user interface 70 may include designated touch sensitive areas 104 that allow the user to interact with the user interface 70. The user interface 70 may allow the user to control the calculations of the computer 18, the display of information, allow different users of the display console 24 to obtain their individual workout data, or other functions necessary to operate the device.

[0052] As shown, the display console 24 may have at least one speaker 74. The speaker may be located on the front of the display console 74. In other embodiments, the speaker 74 may be located elsewhere on the display console 24, the sensor housing 12, or integrated into an exercise device 170. FIG. 15 also shows a power button 94 that may be located on the front of the display console 24. The power button 94 allows the user to power the device on and off. In other exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the power button 94 may be located elsewhere on the display console 24, the sensor housing 12, or integrated into an exercise device 170.

[0053] In another embodiment of the present invention, the entire display 22 may be a touch sensitive screen. In still other exemplary embodiments of the present invention the top portion of the display 90 may be a touch sensitive screen and may contain the user interface 70. The lower portion of the display 92 in this embodiment may be touch sensitive or not and would display the exercise parameters.

[0054] For each weight that is lifted in association with the present invention, the computer 18 needs to know how large the weight is in order to calculate many of the fitness parameters. In one embodiment of the present invention the user will manually enter the amount of weight used during the lift. In another embodiment, the individual computers can automatically determine the amount of weight used by determining the length of string 14 deployed.

[0055] FIG. 16 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the communication of information involved in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As depicted, the computer 18 receives information from the string sensor 10 regarding the displacement of a particular weight relative to the string sensor 10. The computer 18 may calculate several fitness parameters based on that information as well as information which may be entered by the user through the user interface 70. For each weight that is lifted in association with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the computer 18 may need to know how large the weight is in order to calculate many of the fitness parameters. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the user will enter the amount of weight being lifted through the user interface 70. However, it is also possible that the computer will receive information about the amount of weight being lifted through other means. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, as associated with weight equipment that has a weight stack, the string sensor 10 may be able to determine how much weigh is being lifted, depending on the amount of string 14 located outside of the sensor housing 12 at the beginning of the lift. For example, if each weight on the stack is 2 inches thick and weighs 10 lbs, when the string sensor is associated with a 60 lb lift from the stack, approximately 6 inches of string may be outside the sensor housing 12 at the beginning of the lift. In this example, as long as the computer 18 is given information on the amount of weight in one unit of weight on the stack, signals from the string sensor 10 can be used to determine changes in the amount of weight being lifted.

[0056] The parameters which may be calculated by the computer 16 include the amount of calories expended and the power generated in displacing the weight. Power generated and calories expended are related by the formula:

K_ca1=W×0.011833

wherein K_ca1=kilocalories expended and W=power in watts. Power is determined from the equation:

W=F×((1.35)/((12/D)×t))

where F=the weight lifted in pounds, D=the distance the weight is lifted in inches, and t=the amount of time it takes to lift the weight in seconds. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention may also calculate the “Power Factor” of the lift. This is a measurement of the amount of power generated in a lift per body weight. The formula is:

PF=W/B

where W=power in watts and B is the body weight of the lifter in pounds.

[0057] Furthermore, some embodiments of the present invention may calculate additional fitness parameters for the user, including the number of repetitions incurred by the user during the lifting of a specific weight or the rest time between instances of lifting a weight. It should be understood that it is not intended to limit exemplary embodiments of the present invention to any particular equations, unless expressly set forth otherwise in the claims.

[0058] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the computer 18 may store information about each instance of a displacement of a weight during a particular time period. For example, the computer 18 may store information during the course of a user's entire weight lifting workout. The computer 18 may then access these stored values in order to calculate cumulative fitness parameters, such as the cumulative amount of calories burned, or the cumulative amount of power generated over a specified time. The computer 18 may also calculate averages of fitness parameters over a particular time period. These may include the average amount of calories expended per minute during a workout, or the average amount of power expended. In some embodiments of the present invention the computer 18 may retrieve information pertaining to past workouts, and use it to provide the user with comparative data regarding past and current workouts. An example would be providing the user with a bar graph showing the user's caloric expenditure per workout over the past month. In an exemplary embodiment, all fitness parameters and information calculated by the computer 18 may be communicated to the user via the display 22 and audio systems 76 of the display console 24. In some embodiments of the present invention the computer 18 may calculate, store, and retrieve information for more than one user.

[0059] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention the computer may also be connected to a printer 78. The printer 78 may provide the user with a paper copy of the information that has been calculated by the computer 18. For example, the printer 78 may print out summaries of different fitness parameters of the user's workout, or may print out what information is shown on the display 22. The user may control what information is printed through the user interface 60.

[0060] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention the computer 18 may also be able to save and retrieve information from a portable storage device 80. This may allow the user to upload saved data from an exemplary embodiment of the present invention onto a different computer, such as a home computer. In addition, in an exemplary embodiment, different users who wish to share the same display console 24 can access their past fitness parameter data by uploading the data from the portable storage device 80 onto the display console 24. Examples of portable storage devices include floppy disks, hard disks, CDs, USB storage devices, storage disk for the user. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment of FIG. 14, USB ports 82 and 83 are located on the back of the display console 24 allows a user to upload information onto a USB storage device. The USB ports 82 and 83 allow the user to connect the present invention directly to other electronic devices, including a personal computer

[0061] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may consist of more than one string sensor 10, and computer 18 that may be separate from and communicates with more than one display console 24 over a network. In this exemplary embodiment the string sensors 10 may be integrated into the weight equipment or located in the sensor housing 12. Each string sensor 10 may have an identifier to allow the computer 18 to identify each string sensor 10 individually. The computer 18 may have the ability to receive signals from each string sensor 10 when the respective weights are being lifted, and can relay that information to the display console 24 being used by the user of that particular weight. The string sensors 10 may utilize a potentiometric mechanism or the potentiometric mechanism may be replaced with an accelerometer 13.

[0062] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the string sensor 10 is powered through the cable 20, which receives power from batteries contained in the display console 24. In an exemplary embodiment the batteries are rechargeable and are charged by a detachable AC/DC power cord 84 that can be plugged into the display console 24 as necessary. However, in other embodiments of the present invention the apparatus may be powered by other means. For example, in embodiments where the string sensor 10 and display console are not connected by a cable 20, the string sensor 10 may directly receive power through an AC/DC power cord 84. In other embodiments of the present invention different parts of the apparatus may receive power through different combinations of batteries, rechargeable batteries, and power cords.

[0063] FIG. 17 show an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, having a generator 41 attached to the reel 32 in the sensor housing 12. The rotation of the reel during the weightlifting may provide the generator 41 with the necessary kinetic energy to produce electrical energy. The electrical energy may then be used to provide electrical energy to rechargeable batteries used to power the present invention. As a result of the generator 41 periodically providing electrical energy to the rechargeable batteries the time between battery charges may be extended.

[0064] In other exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the device may be able to switch between power provided by the batteries and the power provided by the generator 41. When the reel 32 is in a motionless state the power for the device may be provided by the batteries. When the reel 32 has rotational motion the power for the device may be provided by the generator 41. The switching between the power sources may allow for longer battery life.

[0065] The generator system described above may be employed in other exemplary embodiments of the present invention where a reel 32 or pulley 15 is used. In exemplary embodiments having a pulley 15, the pulley's 15 rotation instead of the reel's 32 rotation provides the kinetic energy to the generator to produce electrical energy.

[0066] FIG. 18 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention where at least one device is networked to a central computer 200. As depicted, at least one computer 18 may receive information from at least one string sensors 10 or at least one accelerometer 13 regarding the displacement of a particular weight. The computer 18 may calculate several fitness parameters based on the received information as well as information which may be entered by the user through the user interface 70. The at least one computer 18 may receive the data from the at least one string sensors 10 or the at least one accelerometer 13 and may display that data visually on the at least one display 22. The exercise data may then be downloaded directly from the at least one computer 18 through the USB ports 82 and 83 or other ports found on the present invention. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, downloading directly from the at least one computer 18, the exercise information is sent to a central computer 200. The central computer 200 and the at least one computer 18 may either be in wired or wireless communication with each other. The exercise information may be stored on the central computer 200. The stored exercise information may then be recovered by the user. The stored exercise information may be printed or downloaded to the user's portable storage device. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, individual users may be assigned an identifier to assist in identification and separation of data. The network system may prompt the user to enter the individual identifier into interface 70 prior to beginning the exercise to aid in data separation.

[0067] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the central computer 200 may download a workout schedule onto a user's portable storage device. The user may then connect the portable storage device to the computer 18 of the present invention. The computer 18 may use the stored workout to display the exercise parameters for the user. The computer 18 may set the weight the user should be lifting and the number of repetitions. After the required exercise has been completed, the computer 18 may download the exercise data to the portable storage device or it may communicate the exercise data to the central computer 200, or the computer 18 may do both.

[0068] In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the central computer may assign each user a unique identifier. The central computer 200 formulates a workout schedule for a user. The user may enter the central computer assigned identifier into the interface 70. The computer 18 may receive the individual user identifier from the interface 70 and may transmit the individual identifier either through wired or wireless communication to the central computer 200. The central computer 200 may then accesses the scheduled workout in its database filed under the individual identifier. The central computer 200 then may transmit the workout back to the computer 18 through either wired or wireless communication. The computer 18 may then display the weight to be used and the number of repetitions for the user to complete on the display 22. The exemplary embodiment may allow adjustments during the workout routine to maintain the fitness and caloric expenditure of the user.

[0069] The exemplary embodiments herein disclosed are not intended to be exhaustive or to unnecessarily limit the scope of the invention. The exemplary embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the present invention so that others skilled in the art may practice the invention. Having shown and described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art will realize that many variations and modifications may be made to affect the described invention. Many of those variations and modifications will provide the same result and fall within the spirit of the claimed invention. It is the intention, therefore, to limit the invention only as indicated by the scope of the claims.