CN104039401A - Exercise device with communication linkage for connection with external computing device - Google Patents

Abstract

In general, the present invention relates to exercise equipment lacking a console in whole or in part. For example, exercise devices of the present invention may lack display screens and/or user input controls to selectively adjust operating parameters of the exercise device. The console interface, or portions of the console interface, that are absent from the exercise device of the present invention may be provided by an external computing device communicatively connected to the exercise device. The external computing device can be separately and selectively connected to multiple exercise devices to provide display screens and user input controls to multiple different exercise devices.

Description

Exercise equipment having a communication link for connecting to an external computing device

technical field

In general, the present invention relates to exercise equipment. More specifically, the present invention relates to exercise equipment that lacks an integrated display screen and/or user input controls, but that includes a communication link for communicating with an external computing device that A display screen and/or user input controls are included to selectively increase and decrease the difficulty level of the exercise being performed.

Background technique

The most conventional exercise equipment includes a console. The console may include internal electronics such as memory and processors. The console may also include a user interface. The user interface of the exercise device console may provide a user of the exercise device with one or more display screens and one or more user input controls. User input controls may be used to input data into the exercise device. For example, user input controls may be used to selectively adjust the difficulty level of exercises performed on the exercise device. The display screen can be used to show exercise-related data or non-exercise-related data.

Console interfaces have become more sophisticated over time. For example, today's exercise equipment may have multiple display screens that can be used to show a virtual environment or a color television program in which a user is exercising. User input controls have also become more sophisticated over time. For example, an exercise device may include touch-sensitive user input controls. Increased sophistication of console interfaces has increased the cost of manufacturing and purchasing exercise equipment.

Contents of the invention

In one aspect of the present disclosure, exercise equipment includes a frame.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the exercise device includes a console attached to a frame.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the console lacks a display screen.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the exercise device includes a bracket structure attached to the frame that may be used to selectively secure an external computing device to the exercise device.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the exercise device includes a communication link that selectively and communicatively connects the console with an external computing device.

In another aspect, which may be combined with any of the aspects herein, an exercise device includes a selectively adjustable actuator that adjusts one or more operating parameters of the exercise device.

In another aspect which may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the selectively adjustable actuator is communicatively connected to the communication link.

In another aspect which may be combined with any of the aspects herein, when the external computing device is communicatively connected to the console and secured to the support structure, the selectively adjustable actuator receives information from the external computing device via the communication link. control commands.

In another aspect, which may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the console also lacks user input controls for enabling the selectively adjustable actuators to adjust one or more operating parameters of the exercise device.

In another aspect, which may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the exercise device is communicatively connectable to an external computing device via a wired communication connection.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the wired communication connection includes a USB port.

In another aspect, which may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the exercise device is communicatively connectable to an external computing device via a wireless communication connection.

In another aspect which may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the wireless communication connection means comprises a Bluetooth wireless transmitter or a Wi-Fi wireless transmitter.

In another aspect which may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the stand structure selectively secures an external computing device via a gravity connection.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the stand structure includes a bracket that facilitates selectively securing an external computing device to the stand structure.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the stand structure includes magnets that assist in selectively securing the external computing device to the stand structure.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the selectively adjustable actuator is a fan motor.

In another aspect which may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the exercise device is a treadmill and the selectively adjustable actuator is a belt motor.

In another aspect which may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the exercise device is an elliptical machine or an exercise bike and the selectively adjustable actuator is a brake.

In another aspect which may be combined with any of the aspects herein, when the external computing device is communicatively connected to the console, data related to an exercise performed on the exercise device is sent to the external computing device via the communication link .

In another aspect, which may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the data sent to the external computing device via the communication link includes cadence information, stride information, or user weight information.

In another aspect, which may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the console includes electronics for modifying control commands received through the communication link.

In another aspect, which may be combined with any of the aspects herein, an exercise system includes an external computing device separately and selectively mountable on the first exercise device and the second exercise device.

In another aspect which may be combined with any of the aspects herein, an external computing device is communicatively connectable to each of the first exercise device and the second exercise device, respectively, and the external computing device has a user input controller, The user input controller causes the first actuator to adjust one or more operating parameters of the first exercise device when the external computing device is communicatively connected to the first exercise device, and when the external computing device is communicatively connected to the second exercise device. The device causes the second actuator to adjust one or more operating parameters of the second exercise device.

In another aspect which may be combined with any of the aspects herein, each of the first console and the second console of the exercise system also lacks a display screen.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the external computing device of the exercise system includes a display screen that is displayed on the first exercise device when the first exercise device is communicatively connected to the external computing device. Information related to the exercise performed and displayed on the second exercise device when the second exercise device is communicatively connected to the external computing device.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the external computing device is a phone.

In another aspect, which may be combined with any of the aspects herein, a method for controlling exercise equipment includes loading console interface software onto an external computing device.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the method further includes launching console interface software on the external computing device.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the method further includes establishing a communication link between the external computing device and the exercise device having the selectively adjustable actuator.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the method further includes securing the external computing device to the exercise device.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the method further includes adjusting the selectively adjustable actuator in response to the input received via the user input controller on the external computing device.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the method further includes displaying on the external computing device data related to the exercise performed on the exercise device.

Description of drawings

Figure 1 shows an exercise system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 shows a block diagram of an exercise system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a flowchart illustrating steps that may be implemented in a method for controlling an exercise device with an external computing device.

4 shows a flowchart illustrating steps that may be implemented in a method for wirelessly connecting an exercise device with an external computing device.

5 shows a perspective view of a treadmill communicatively connected to an external computing device.

Figure 6 shows a view of an external computing device.

Figure 7 shows a second view of the external computing device.

Detailed ways

Figure 1 illustrates an exercise system 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Exercise system 100 includes two exercise devices 110 and 130 , and an external computing device 150 . In exercise system 100, exercise device 110 is a treadmill, exercise device 130 is an exercise bike, and external computing device 150 is a tablet-type computer with a touch screen.

Exercise device 110 and exercise device 130 include movable member 112 and movable member 132, respectively. According to the present invention, the movable member may be any part of the exercise device that moves during a user's exercise on the exercise device. For example, for exercise device 110, movable member 112 is a conveyor belt that provides a surface on which a person using exercise device 110 can walk or run while performing an exercise. For exercise device 130, movable member 132 is a set of pedals that a user can rotate with his or her feet during performance of an exercise. Exercise device 110 and exercise device 130 may include movable members other than those identified herein. For example, exercise device 110 and exercise device 130 may include fans, which may also be considered movable members in accordance with the present invention.

Exercise device 110 and exercise device 130 include one or more actuators. According to the present invention, an actuator selectively adjusts an operating parameter on the exercise device. For example, the actuator may adjust the difficulty level of exercises performed on the exercise device. On exercise device 110 , an actuator, including a motor, may selectively adjust the rate at which movable member 112 rotates. On exercise device 130 , actuators, including brakes, may selectively adjust the resistance applied to rotational movement of movable member 132 . The actuator may also adjust the speed of the fan or adjust other operating parameters associated with other movable members on the exercise device.

Exercise device 110 and exercise device 130 include frame 114 and frame 134, respectively. According to the present invention, a frame may be any part of an exercise device that imparts structural support and/or stability to the exercise device. Frame 114 and frame 134 also provide support for support structure 116 and support structure 136, respectively. For example, frame 114 of exercise device 110 includes upright members 118 a and 118 b that provide support for stand structure 116 . Frame 134 of exercise device 130 includes arm members 138 that provide support for frame structure 136 .

In accordance with the present invention, a stand structure may include any structure on which an external computing device may be selectively secured to an exercise device. The stand structure can selectively secure external computing devices in a number of different ways. For example, an external computing device may be selectively secured to the support structure (as is the case in exercise device 110 ) by a gravity connection. In particular, the stand structure 116 includes a flat backplane 120 and a lip portion 122 on which an external computing device 150 may be selectively placed. Flat back plate 120 and lip portion 122 may be oriented such that gravity holds external computing device 150 on exercise device 110 .

The external computing device may be selectively secured to the support structure (as is the case in exercise device 130 ) by a frictional connection. Specifically, stand structure 136 includes flat backplane 140 and bracket 142 that hold external computing device 150 in place. Flat backplate 140 and bracket 142 may be oriented such that friction holds external computing device 150 on exercise device 130 .

The most conventional exercise equipment includes a console. A console on an exercise device may include a user interface and electronics. The user interface may include one or more user input controls and one or more display screens. User input controls may be used to enter control commands and other data into the exercise device. In particular, the user input controls may be used to select a desired workout program, change the difficulty level of a selected workout, or enter other data into the exercise device. User input controls may include one or more buttons, dials, knobs, switches, or other input mechanisms.

The display can show data related to the exercise performed. For example, a graphical outline may show each difficulty level or distance segments of a training session. The display screen may also provide a first-person view of the path traveled by the user during the course of his or her exercise program. The display screen may also show numerical data such as the current difficulty level, pace, incline, amount of calories burned or heart rate. The display can also show data not related to the exercise being performed. For example, a display screen can provide entertainment programming such as TV shows, movies, games or the Internet.

The electronics on the console may include a processor and other components that receive and process control commands or other data received through the user input controls. Electronics on the console can modify the control commands and deliver signals reflecting the control commands to the actuators or other parts of the exercise device. For example, if a command to increase the speed of a belt on a treadmill is received from a user input controller, the console electronics may process the command and deliver a signal to the belt motor to increase the speed.

Exercise device 110 and exercise device 130 optionally include console electronics. These electronic devices may be located anywhere on exercise device 110 and exercise device 130 . For example, these electronic devices may be positioned behind support structure 116 and support structure 136 or within empty portions of frame 114 and frame 134 . However, unlike most conventional exercise devices, exercise device 110 and exercise device 130 lack an integrated display and display to selectively increase and/or decrease one or more operating parameters on exercise device 110 and exercise device 130 . User input controller.

However, external computing device 150 can be communicatively connected to exercise device 110 and exercise device 130 and can serve as a user interface for exercise device 110 and exercise device 130 . External computing device 150 may serve as a user interface for a number of different exercise devices.

In order for external computing device 150 to function as a user interface for exercise device 110 or exercise device 130 , external computing device 150 must be communicatively connected to exercise device 110 or exercise device 130 . This connection can be established in a number of different ways. For example, exercise device 110 may communicate with external computing device 150 wirelessly. Exercise device 110 may include wireless communication link 124a, which may be a Bluetooth transmitter, Wi-Fi transmitter, or other type of wireless communication link. Wireless communication link 124a communicates with wireless communication link 124b on external computing device 150 . The wireless communication connection device 124b may be a Bluetooth transmitter, a Wi-Fi transmitter or other types of wireless communication connection devices. As described in more detail below, exercise device 110 may also include a wireless connection input mechanism 126 that may be used to create or confirm a connection with external computing device 150 or broadcast a pairing request to external computing device 150 .

Exercise device 130 may communicate with external computing device 150 through a wired connection. Exercise device 130 may include a wired communication connection 144a, which may be a USB drive or other type of wired communication connection. Wired communication connection 144 a communicates with wired communication connection 144 b on external computing device 150 . The wired communication connection device 144b may be a USB drive or other types of wired communication connection device. The wire 146 may be used to connect the wired communication connection 144a with the wired communication connection 144b.

Indicators 128 and 148 on exercise device 110 and exercise device 130 , respectively, may provide an alert that the exercise device is communicatively connected to external computing device 150 . For example, indicator 128 and indicator 148 may be lights. These lights may be illuminated when a communication connection with the external computing device 150 is established.

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram 200 of an exercise system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Exercise device 210 includes one or more actuators 212 . Actuator 212 may selectively adjust one or more operating parameters of exercise device 210 . Exercise device 210 also includes one or more movable members 214 . The actuator 212 can selectively adjust the movement of the movable member 214 . Exercise device 210 includes support structure 216 . Exercise device 210 also includes console electronics 218 . Console electronics 218 includes memory 220 . Memory 220 may store exercise programs, information related to previous or future use of exercise device 210 , or other data. Finally, exercise device 210 includes communication link 222 .

An external computing device 250 is also included in block diagram 200 . External computing device 250 includes one or more display screens 252 . Display 252 may be an LED display, LCD or other type of display. External computing device 250 also includes user input controls 254 . User input controls may include touch screens or buttons, mice, keyboards, dials, knobs, switches, or other types of input mechanisms. External computing device 250 also includes memory 256 . Memory 256 may store exercise programs, other information related to exercises performed or to be performed on exercise device 210 , or other data. Finally, the external computing device 250 includes a communication connection 258 .

Stand structure 216 may be used to selectively secure external computing device 250 to exercise device 210 . Communication link 222 and communication link 258 may communicatively couple exercise device 210 with external computing device 250 . This connection may be a wired connection or a wireless connection 224 .

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating steps that may be implemented in a method 300 for using an external computing device as a user interface on an exercise device. In a first step 302, console interface software is loaded onto an external computing device that includes one or more user input controls and a display screen. Software can be loaded onto an external computing device in a number of different ways. For example, software may be downloaded from a website via the Internet or uploaded from a storage device such as a disk or memory stick. Once the software is loaded into the external computing device, in a second step 304 the software can be started.

Next, a communication link is established between the external computing device and the exercise device. The communication link may be a wired link as shown in step 306 or a wireless link as shown in step 308 . In the case of a wired connection, wires may be plugged into communication links on the external computing device and exercise device. Establishing a wireless connection will be discussed in more detail below in conjunction with FIG. 4 .

In step 310, the exercise device may be placed in a "locked" position, which prevents the exercise device from establishing communication links with other external computing devices. For example, an exercise device may include a processor with control data that enables the processor to recognize when an external computing device is connected (wired or wireless). Once a connection to an external computing device is detected, the exercise device may reject attempts from other external computing devices to establish a connection with the exercise device.

Next, in step 312 data may be sent from the exercise device to the external computing device. This data may include information about the type of exercise device connected to the external computing device. For example, an exercise device may send data identifying itself as a treadmill, exercise bike, elliptical, or other type of exercise device to an external computing device. The transmitted data may also include the types of actuators and movable members included in the exercise device. Additionally, the exercise device may identify ranges associated with each operating parameter included in the exercise device. For example, the data sent may include the rate limit of a conveyor belt motor on a treadmill. This information may be necessary so that the external computing device can control the actuators that are part of the exercise device and so that operating parameters can be selectively adjusted within acceptable ranges.

In step 314, an external computing device may also be secured to the exercise device. Step 314 may be implemented at any point during method 300 . For example, securing the external computing device to the exercise device may precede launching the software in step 304 and establishing a communication link in step 306 or step 308 . The next steps in the sequence identified in method 300 in method 300 are not required in order to use the external computing device as a user interface on the exercise device.

Once the exercise device is communicatively connected to the external computing device, user input controls on the external computing device may be used to selectively adjust one or more actuators on the exercise device in step 316 . Additionally, in step 318, data related to the exercise performed on the exercise device may be displayed on the display screen of the external computing device.

There are many ways in which an exercise device can be wirelessly linked to an external computing device. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating steps that may be implemented in a method for implementing step 308 of FIG. 3 . Specifically, method 308 provides steps for wirelessly linking the exercise device to an external computing device. In a first step 402, an external computing device having a wireless communication connection is brought within wireless range of an exercise device also having a wireless communication connection.

A link may be created between the external computing device and the exercise device by broadcasting a pairing request from the exercise device (as shown in step 404). For example, a pairing request may be broadcast by the exercise device by entering the pairing request into a user input device on the exercise device. For example, wireless connection input mechanism 126 (shown in FIG. 1 ) may be used by a user to broadcast a pairing request. In step 406, the external computing device may confirm connection with the exercise device through user input at the external computing device.

In one embodiment, for a limited amount of time after the pairing request is broadcast, the exercise device broadcasting the connection request may be turned on for pairing (as shown in step 405). For example, five seconds after the pairing request is broadcast, the exercise device may turn on to pair with the external computing device. If no connection is confirmed within five seconds, the exercise device may return to step 404 and may not connect to the external computing device until a new pairing request is broadcast by the exercise device and confirmed at the external computing device within an acceptable amount of time the new pairing request.

A link may also be created between the external computing device and the exercise device by broadcasting a general pairing request from the external computing device (as shown in step 408). In step 410, the exercise device may confirm connection with the external computing device through user input at the exercise device. For example, wireless connection input mechanism 126 (shown in FIG. 1 ) may be used by a user to confirm a pairing request broadcast by an external computing device.

Alternatively, the external computing device may identify any one or more exercise devices within its wireless range in step 412 . In step 414 , the external computing device may then broadcast a pairing request to the particular exercise device identified in step 412 . Again, in step 410, the exercise device may confirm connection with the external computing device through user input at the exercise device. A wireless connection input mechanism 126 (shown in FIG. 1 ) may be used by a user to confirm a connection with an external computing device.

Once a communication link is established between the exercise device and the external computing device, the external computing device can be used as a console for the exercise device. FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of treadmill 500 with external tablet computer 550 selectively secured. Treadmill 500 is communicatively connected to an external tablet computer 550 . Treadmill 500 includes conveyor belt 510 . Treadmill 500 also includes at least one actuator that selectively adjusts an operating parameter of treadmill 500 . For example, actuators on treadmill 500 may selectively adjust the rate at which conveyor belt 510 rotates.

While treadmill 500 may include some console electronics, treadmill 500 lacks integrated user input controls for selectively adjusting at least one actuator and also lacks an integrated display screen. An external tablet computer 550 communicatively coupled to treadmill 500 provides treadmill 500 with user input controls for selectively adjusting at least one actuator and also provides a display screen.

FIG. 6 shows a more detailed view of external tablet computer 550 . External tablet computer 550 includes touch screen 551 with buttons 552 , 554 and 556 . Buttons 552 , 554 , and 556 are user input controls for selectively adjusting the actuators on treadmill 500 . For example, touching one of buttons 552 , 554 , and 556 may send a signal to treadmill 500 to increase and/or decrease the speed of conveyor belt 510 . The signal may be sent directly to the belt motor on treadmill 500, or the signal may be processed by console electronics within treadmill 500 before being sent to the belt motor.

In addition to selectively adjusting the actuators on treadmill 500, buttons 552, 554, and 556 can be used to select a training session plan or enter any other information that may or may not be related to the user or the exercise to be performed on treadmill 500. data. This data may or may not be modified or processed by the console electronics in treadmill 500 .

External tablet computer 550 may also receive data from the user from sources other than buttons 552 , 554 , and 556 . For example, tablet computer 550 may receive data related to the user's physiological condition from sensors worn on the user's body. Sensors worn by the user may sense the user's heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, calorie burn rate, or other conditions. The data may be sent to the tablet computer 550 via a wired communication link or a wireless communication link.

External tablet computer 550 also includes display 558 and display 560 . Information related to the sensed condition of the user may be displayed on display 558 and/or display 560 . For example, display 558 and/or display 560 may display information related to the user's heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, calorie burn rate, or other conditions.

External tablet computer 550 may also receive data from exercise device 500 . Information related to data received from exercise device 500 may also be displayed on display 558 and/or display 560 . For example, external tablet computer 550 may receive data from exercise device 500 related to the user's cadence (or steps dropped per unit of time), step length, weight, heart rate, and the like.

Information related to data received from treadmill 500 by external tablet computer 550 may also be displayed on display 558 and/or display 560 . For example, in FIG. 6, display screen 560 shows a graphical outline of a workout program. The data used to create the graphics may be received from treadmill 500 or may be stored within the memory of tablet computer 550 .

Display 558 and display 560 may also show the path traveled by a person exercising on treadmill 500 . For example, a first-person view of the trajectory may be shown. The view of the trajectory may advance at a rate corresponding to the rate at which the carousel 510 rotates. In addition, exercise device 500 may enable displayed terrain. For example, areas of increased incline displayed on the display screen may be implemented on treadmill 500 to create a more realistic experience.

The display screen on the external computing device may, but need not, display information related to the exercise performed on the exercise device to which the computing device is secured. According to the present invention, the external computing device may display images or information that are not related to the exercise performed. For example, an external computing device may display current event information, such as stock information, news, or weather information.

Additionally, entertainment programming, including television shows, the Internet, movies, games, etc., can be displayed on the external computing device. In one embodiment of the invention, the display screen may be shared between exercise-related information and data and non-exercise-related information and data. For example, FIG. 7 shows another view of an external tablet computer 550 . Display 574 provides entertainment, while buttons 570 and 572 can be used to increase and/or decrease the speed of conveyor belt 510 . Button 570 and button 572 may also be used to control the entertainment shown on display 574 . For example, if display 574 shows a game, button 570 and/or button 572 may be used to play the game. Accordingly, tablet computer 550 includes a non-exercise display and buttons that provide exercise-related user input controls and non-exercise-related user input controls.

Industrial Applicability

In general, the present invention relates to exercise equipment lacking a console in whole or in part. For example, exercise devices of the present invention may lack display screens and/or user input controls to selectively adjust operating parameters of the exercise device. The console interface, or the portion of the console interface, that is absent from the exercise device of the present invention may be provided by an external computing device communicatively connected to the exercise device. The external computing device can be separately and selectively connected to multiple exercise devices to provide display screens and user input controls to multiple different exercise devices.

While the present invention has been described in the context of motorized treadmills and exercise bikes, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to any particular type of exercise equipment. Rather, the present invention can be readily adapted to any electric device or any other device utilizing a motor, solenoid or any other electrically driven actuator to control any operating parameter of a movable member on an exercise device.

For example, exercise equipment may include a treadmill, exercise bike, Nordic skis, rower, dance machine, hiker, climber, elliptical, or stride exercise equipment. Operating parameters may include, but are not limited to, conveyor speed, resistance, incline, step size, fan speed, or other similar operating parameters. The movable member may be any part of the exercise device that moves during exercise on the exercise device. An actuator may be any device that selectively adjusts an operating parameter of a movable member.

The external computing device according to the present invention does not have to be a tablet type computer with a touch screen. External computing devices may include laptop personal computers, telephones, or other computing devices. Information and commands may be entered into the external computing device via one or more buttons, dials, knobs, switches, or other input mechanisms.

The stand structure can selectively secure the external computing device to the exercise device in a number of different ways. For example, a stand structure can secure computing equipment through purely gravity-based connections. Alternatively, the computing device may be secured to the stand structure via magnets, snap-on connections, clips, straps, or other structures that selectively secure the external computing device to the exercise device. Additionally, the stand structure can be adjustable so that all different sized external computing devices can be selectively secured to the exercise device.

An exercise device communicatively connected to an external computing device can send information to and receive information from the external computing device. For example, an exercise device may send information about ranges of actuators, movable members, and operating parameters to an external computing device. For example, if the treadmill is communicatively connected to the external computing device, the exercise device may send signals identifying the belt motor and lift motor to the external computing device. Additionally, the exercise device may send a signal to the external computing device that the belt motor has operating parameters ranging from 0 mph to 15 mph. The exercise device may also send a signal to the external computing device that the lift motor has operating parameters ranging from 0 degrees to 20 degrees.

Information sent from the exercise device to the external computing device can affect the appearance of the display screen and the amount or type of user input controls. For example, an external computing device used as a user interface for a treadmill may have user input controls that control the speed of the conveyor belt, the inclination of the treads, and the speed of the fan. An external computing device used as a user interface for an exercise bike may only have user input controls that control the speed of the fan and the amount of resistance applied by the brakes to the flywheel.

According to the present invention, the external computing device may include memory capable of storing and implementing a training session plan on the exercise device. These training session plans may be retrieved by the external computing device via the Internet from a website or from a memory device compatible with the external computing device. Additionally, the workout plan stored in the memory of the external computing device may be uploaded to the exercise device and stored in the memory of the console electronics of the exercise device.

Information about exercises performed on the exercise device may be stored in memory within the console electronics of the exercise device. Alternatively, this information may be sent to the external computing device and stored within the memory of the external computing device. Again, this information can be sent by the exercise machine or external computing device to a remote computer for storage. For example, an external computing device may send this information or other data to the website for storage. In this embodiment, a user can access workout sessions about him or her from any computing device that can access the website. Information that may be collected and saved may include the type of training session plan performed, the amount of calories burned, the duration of the training session, the user's heart rate during the training session, and the like.

Once the exercise device is communicatively connected to the external computing device, the exercise device may follow the exercise program stored in the memory of the console electronics on the exercise device. Alternatively, the exercise device may follow an exercise program stored in the memory of the external computing device. Additionally, the exercise program can be streamed to the exercise device via the Internet via the external computing device.

In an alternative embodiment, the external computing device may display both exercise-related and non-exercise-related data. For example, the external computing device may display on a first display a graphical outline showing each difficulty level or distance segment of a workout session and on a second display a television program or other non-exercise-related data. The external computing device in this embodiment may include user input controls that control the exercise device and non-exercise-related data displayed on the second display screen.

Claims (20)

1. an exercise device, comprising:

Framework;

Be attached to the console of described framework, described console lacks display screen;

Be attached to the supporting structure of described framework, wherein, external computing device can be optionally fixed to described supporting structure;

Communication link, described communication link optionally and is communicatedly connected described console with described external computing device; And

Selective adjustable actuator, described selective adjustable actuator regulates one or more operating parameter of described exercise device, and described selective adjustable actuator is connected to described communication link communicatedly, wherein, in the time that described external computing device is connected to communicatedly described console and is fixed to described supporting structure, described selective adjustable actuator receives the control command from described external computing device via described communication link.

2. exercise device according to claim 1, wherein, described console also lacks user's input control device that described selective adjustable actuator is regulated described one or more operating parameter of described exercise device.

3. exercise device according to claim 1, wherein, described exercise device can be connected to described external computing device communicatedly via wire communication jockey.

4. exercise device according to claim 3, wherein, described wire communication jockey comprises USB port.

5. exercise device according to claim 1, wherein, described exercise device can be connected to described external computing device communicatedly via radio communication jockey.

6. exercise device according to claim 5, wherein, described radio communication jockey comprises bluetooth or Wi-Fi wireless launcher.

7. exercise device according to claim 1, wherein, described supporting structure is optionally fixed described external computing device by gravity connector.

8. exercise device according to claim 1, wherein, described supporting structure comprises auxiliary magnet or the bracket that described external computing device is optionally fixed to described supporting structure.

9. exercise device according to claim 1, wherein, described selective adjustable actuator is fan electromotor.

10. exercise device according to claim 1, wherein, described exercise device is treadmill, and described selective adjustable actuator is conveyer belt motor.

11. exercise devices according to claim 1, wherein, described exercise device is elliptical machine or tempers bicycle, and described selective adjustable actuator is brake.

12. exercise devices according to claim 1, wherein, in the time that described external computing device is connected to described console communicatedly, the data relevant to the exercise of carrying out on described exercise device are sent to described external computing device via described communication link.

13. exercise devices according to claim 12, wherein, send to the described data of described external computing device to comprise cadence information, step-length information or user's weight information via described communication link.

14. exercise devices according to claim 1, wherein, described console comprises the electronic installation that the described control command to receiving by described communication link is modified.

15. 1 kinds of exercise systems, comprising:

The first exercise device, has:

The first actuator, described the first actuator regulates one or more operating parameter of described the first exercise device; And

The first console, described the first console lacks user's input control device that described the first actuator is optionally regulated described one or more operating parameter of described the first exercise device;

The second exercise device, has:

The second actuator, described the second actuator regulates one or more operating parameter of described the second exercise device; And

The second console, described the second console lacks user's input control device that described the second actuator is optionally regulated described one or more operating parameter of described the second exercise device; And

External computing device, described external computing device can be arranged in each in described the first exercise device and described the second exercise device respectively and optionally, and can be connected to communicatedly respectively each in described the first exercise device and described the second exercise device, described external computing device has user's input control device, described user's input control device makes described the first actuator regulate described one or more operating parameter of described the first exercise device in the time that described external computing device is connected to described the first exercise device communicatedly, and in the time that being connected to described the second exercise device communicatedly, described external computing device make described the second actuator regulate described one or more operating parameter of described the second exercise device.

16. exercise systems according to claim 15, wherein, described the first console and described the second console also lack display screen separately.

17. exercise systems according to claim 16, wherein, described external computing device comprises display screen, and described display screen shows the information relevant to the exercise of carrying out on described the first exercise device and in the time that described the second exercise device is connected to described external computing device communicatedly, show the information relevant with the exercise of carrying out on described the second exercise device in the time that described the first exercise device is connected to described external computing device communicatedly.

18. exercise systems according to claim 17, wherein, described external computing device is phone.

19. 1 kinds for controlling the method for exercise device, and described method comprises:

By console interface Bootload, to external computing device, described external computing device has display and one or more user's input control device;

On described external computing device, start described console interface software;

At described external computing device and have between the exercise device of selective adjustable actuator and set up communication linkage;

Described external computing device is fixed to described exercise device; And

Regulate described selective adjustable actuator in response to the received input of described user's input control device via on described external computing device.

20. methods according to claim 19, are also included in the step of the data that on described external computing device, demonstration is relevant to the exercise of carrying out on described exercise device.