US20080176713A1

US20080176713A1 - Method and apparatus for selecting a condition of a fitness machine in relation to a user

Info

Publication number: US20080176713A1
Application number: US11/950,228
Authority: US
Inventors: Pablo Olivera Brizzio; Faisal Al-Gharabally
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-12-05
Filing date: 2007-12-04
Publication date: 2008-07-24

Abstract

An exercise machine has an adjustable response from a selection panel for operation by a user or transmitter for carrying by the user, the selection panel or transmitter for transmitting user-related data; a receiver for receiving the user-related data; and a device operatively connected to the exercise machine for setting the adjustable response of the exercise machine in response to the received user-related data.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/872,960, filed Dec. 5, 2006, and incorporates the same by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a condition-selectable fitness machine, which as used herein includes all types of fitness or exercise or like machines having at least one selectable condition of use and, more particularly, relates to a method and apparatus for selecting at least one such condition in relation to a user.
Condition selectable fitness machines, e.g., treadmill and/or weight lifting fitness machines, have required that the users manually select the conditions, e.g., time, repetitions, speed and/or weight, that the machines will provide the users. Such machines are described in the following 156 U.S. patent Publications and first 100 of 234 U.S. patents that are incorporated herein by reference to describe the methods and apparatuses thereof, such incorporation being based on their designation by the Patent Office web site as claiming fitness or exercise machine control.


	PUB. APP.
	NO.	Title

1	20070270294	Abdominator: abdomen and obliques exercise machine
2	20070270287	Tug-O-War Exercise Machine
3	20070265891	Electronic passenger management method and system in railroad
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4	20070265139	Non-strenuous under furniture exercise device
5	20070259759	VIBRATIONARY EXERCISE EQUIPMENT
6	20070249468	System for monitoring exercise performance
7	20070233506	Privately Managed Entertainment and Recreation Supplies Provisioning
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8	20070232467	Reciprocable load resisting device
9	20070225136	Gymnastic machine
10	20070219457	Wireless Ear-Clips Heart Rate Monitor
11	20070208392	System for functional electrical stimulation
12	20070202995	Gymnastic machine
13	20070202994	Gymnastic machine
14	20070197345	Motivational displays and methods for exercise machine
15	20070187485	CASH HANDLING
16	20070181121	System, method and apparatus for applying air pressure on a portion of the
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17	20070180414.	Facilitating structural coverage of a design during design verification
18	20070168941	Subclass partitioning in a pattern recognition classifier system
19	20070168156	Factor estimating device, method and program recording medium
		therefor
20	20070142175	AUTOMATED MECHANISM. FOR COLLAPSING EXERCISE
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21	20070099764	Recumbent elliptical exercise apparatus
22	20070087905	Compact Elliptical Exercise Machine with Adjustable Stride Length
23	20070083288	Minibar
24	20070072528	RETENTION DEVICE WITH CRANK TRANSMISSION
25	20070054788	Control system and method for exercise machine
26	20070037676	Horizontal hamstring stretcher
27	20070027001	Gymnastic machine
28	20070023041	Leisure Fitness Equipment With Oxygen-Supplying Function
29	20070021274	COMPACT ELLIPTICAL EXERCISE MACHINE WITH ADJUSTABLE
		STRIDE LENGTH
30	20070015632	ELLIPTICAL EXERCISE APPARATUS WITH ARTICULATING
		TRACK
31	20070008111	System monitoring activities and location
32	20070003037	Method and system for automatic generation and testing of voice
		applications
33	20060282024	MULTIFUNCTION. EQUIPMENT
34	20060269251	Body exercise A/V player controller
35	20060259629	Methods and apparatus for determining aspects of multimedia
		performance of a wireless device
36	20060252602	Program and system for managing fitness activity across diverse exercise
		machines utilizing a portable computer system
37	20060236248	Methods and apparatus for implementing manual and hybrid control
		modes in automated graphical indicators and controls
38	20060229822	System, method and software for automated detection of predictive events
39	20060220883	Method and system of aircraft pilot assessment
40	20060206442	Systems and methods for managing control systems through java
		extensions
41	20060199702	ADJUSTABLE ELLIPTICAL EXERCISE MACHINE
42	20060186910	Mapping variations in local temperature and local power supply-voltage
		that are present during operation of an integrated circuit
43	20060183602	System for weight loss and improving physical fitness
44	20060183083	Vehicle crew training system
45	20060172858	Control panel for fitness machine
46	20060166791	Elliptical exercise machine with adjustable elliptical path
47	20060155201	CARDIAC RHYTHM MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS
		USING MULTIPLE MORPHOLOGY TEMPLATES FOR
		DISCRIMINATING BETWEEN RHYTHMS
48	20060111944	System and method for encouraging performance of health-promoting
		measures
49	20060094572	Control for hydraulic system for exercise equipment
50	20060094569	Exercise machine and method for use in training selected muscle groups
51	20060084553	Treading exercise machine having twisting operation function
52	20060084422	Control glove
53	20060080657	Method and structure for autonomic application
		differentiation/specialization
54	20060074755	Online loyalty program
55	20060073809	Online loyalty program
56	20060058159	ELLIPTICAL EXERCISE APPARATUS CAMS
57	20060053215	Systems And-methods for providing users with access to computer
		resources
58	20060046913	Ergonomic total body developer
59	20060046905	Load variance system and method for exercise machine
60	20060046898	System and method for automating and controlling waiting list
61	20060040795	ORBITAL EXERCISE MACHINE WITH ARM EXERCISE
62	20060033625	DIGITAL ASSURANCE METHOD AND SYSTEM TO EXTEND IN-
		HOME LIVING
63	20060030466	Feet-binding apparatus for a tilting inversion exercise machine
64	20060030460	Adjustable press arm apparatus and methods for exercise machines
65	20050277519	Compact Elliptical exercise machine with adjustable stride length
66	20050272562	EXERCISE MACHINE
67	20050258838	Mapping variations in local temperature and local power supply voltage
		that are present during operation of an integrated circuit
68	20050245370	Powerwalk plus
69	20050239602	Bi directional resistance exercise apparatus
70	20050227815	Walk simulating machine
71	20050209052	System and method for selective adjustment of exercise apparatus
72	20050181918	Vibrationary exercise apparatus
73	20050181912	Elliptical exercise apparatus with adjustable crank
74	20050164853	Dynamically controlled resistance exercise machine
75	20050164837	Stride adjustment mechanism
76	20050148441	Adjustable exercise device
77	20050124471	Total body exercise machine with adjustable railings and/or adjustable
		incline
78	20050102172	System and method for evaluating insurance member activity and pricing
		insurance products
79	20050101464	Exercise machine
80	20050084831	Training simulator and method of constructing same
81	20050075214	Program and system for managing fitness activity across diverse exercise
		utilizing a portable computer system
82	20050066353	Method and system to monitor delivery of content to a content destination
83	20050049122	Physical rehabiliation and fitness exercise device
84	20050049121	Exercise device with centrally mounted resistance rod and automatic
		weight selector apparatus
85	20050023275	Procedure for soldering the constituent layers of a multilayer printed
		circuit and the machine used for same
86	20050015118	Muscle stimulation systems
87	20040260960	Method for pulse train reduction of clocking power when switching
		between full clocking power and nap mode
88	20040254050	Automatic variable resistance exercise system
89	20040242383	Strength and power training system
90	20040224827	Selectable force exercise machine
91	20040220019	Easy access stepper
92	20040215791	Concurrent web based multi-task support for control management system
93	20040214693	Dual deck exercise device
94	20040209738	System and method for controlling an exercise apparatus
95	20040176223	Inclined leg press weight training machine
96	20044162193	Exercise device for side-to side stepping motion
97	20040157714	Electric exercise machine for tilting and inverting human body
98	20040138033	Exercise machine
99	20040127335	Systems and methods for controlling the operation of one or more exercise
		devices and providing motivational programming
100	20040106502	Exercise machine
101	20040097339	Adjustable stride elliptical motion exercise machine and associated
		methods
102	20040093313	Maritime freight option
103	20040067822	Instrument for exercise machine
104	20040062558	Functionality switching for MICR printing
105	20040054302	Method and device for determining the anatomical condition of a human
		being or an animal and a strength training machine and a computer
		programme which is saved to a memory medium
106	20040033864	Proprioceptive/kinesthetic apparatus and method
107	20040018918	Control circuit using toggled activation to reduce inrush currents
108	20040018917	Cooling system for exercise machine
109	20040009857	Leg press weight training machine
110	20040005960	Treading exercise machine with elliptical trace
111	20040002409	Leg curl/leg extension weight training-machine
112	20030226695	Weight control method using physical activity based parameters
113	20030198251	Fibre channel arbitrated loop bufferless switch circuitry to increase
		bandwidth without significant increase in cost
114	20030186784	Training machine, image output processing device and method, and
		recording medium which stores image outputting programs
115	20030181291	Training machine image output processing device and method, and
		recording medium which. stores image outputting .programs
116	20030174722	Fibre channel arbitrated loop bufferless switch circuitry to increase
		bandwidth without significant increase in cost
117	20030174721	Fibre channel arbitrated logy bufferless switch circuit to increase
		bandwidth without significant increase in cost
118	20030174720	Fibre channel arbitrated loop bufferless switch circuitry to increase
		bandwidth without significant increase in cost
119	2003069753	Fibre channel arbitrated loop bufferless switch circuitry to increase
		bandwidth without significant increase in cost
120	20030168571	Adjustable rack
121	20030158796	Distributed personal automation and shopping method, apparatus, and
		process
122	20030158020	Overhead adjustable resistance exercise machine
123	20030148853	Apparatus for physical exercise with magnetic interaction between the
		parts of which it is made
124	20030134714	Exercise assistance apparatus
125	20030120183	Assistive clothing
126	20030118040	Fibre channel arbitrated loop bufferless switch circuitry to increase
		bandwidth without significant increase in cost
127	20030108061	Fibre channel arbitrated loop bufferless switch circuitry to increase
		bandwidth without significant increase in cost
128	20030108060	Fibre channel arbitrated loop bufferless switch circuitry to increase
		bandwidth without significant increase in cost
129	20030108058	Fibre channel arbitrated loop bufferless switch circuitry to increase
		bandwidth without significant increase in cost
130	20030108050	Fibre channel arbitrated loop bufferless switch circuitry to increase
		bandwidth without significant increase in cost
131	20030107996	Fibre channel arbitrated loop bufferless switch circuitry to increase
		bandwidth without significant increase in cost
132	20030104908	Electronic running exercise machine with a bidirectional supersonic
		detector
133	20030092532	Exercise device for cross training
134	20030088808	Design verification
135	20030080929	Switched mode digital logic method, system and apparatus for directly
		driving LCD glass
136	20030069108	Exercise training and monitoring system
137	20030032529	Remote measuring device for an exercise machine with counterweights
138	20030013995	Fat combustion value calculating method, fat combustion value
		calculating-device and exercise machine
139	20030001882	Portable entertainment machines
140	20020147075	Exercise machine, capable of training and soothing muscles
141	20020138317	System for implementing an exchange
142	20020115537	Rowing exercise machine
143	20020111251	Golfing exercise machine
144	20020087373	System and method to organize and manage corporate capitilization and
		securities
145	20020055419	System and method to improve fitness training
146	20020055417	VARIBLE CONFIGURATION EXERCISE MACHINE
147	20020037792	Fitness equipment
148	20020036389	Bicycle pedaling power unit with. leverage shifting
149	20020025888	Programmable exercise machine
150	20020019298	Pathfinder elliptical exercise machine
151	20020002104	Posture training machine
152	20010051565	Exercise machine
153	20010036886	Variable stride elliptical exercise apparatus
154	20010016510	Game machine, game device control method, information storage medium
		game distribution device, and game distribution method
155	20010011052	Power controlled exercising machine and method for controlling the same
156	20010008861	Machine-assisted exercising
1	7,280,871	Muscle stimulation systems
2	7,226,401	Exercise machine
3	7,207,925	Compact elliptical exercise machine with adjustable stride length
4	7,201,708	Machine-assisted exercising
5	7,182,714	Compact elliptical exercise machine with adjustable stride length
6	7,175,568	Elliptical exercise apparatus with articulating track
7	7,150,702	Leg curl/leg extension weight training machine
8	7,128,693	Program and system for managing fitness activity across diverse exercise
		machines utilizing a portable computer system
9	7,104,929	Adjustable elliptical exercise machine
10	7,097,591	Adjustable stride elliptical motion exercise machine and associated
		methods
11	7,086,995	Control circuit using toggled activation to reduce inrush currents
12	7,077,795	Feet-binding apparatus for a tilting inversion exercise machine
13	7,060,003	Horizontal rope pulling apparatus
14	7,052,438	Elliptical exercise apparatus cams
15	7 044,893	Walk simulating, machine
16	7,028,221	Apparatus and method for capturing knowledge through an expert
		interface
17	7,025,711	Orbital exercise machine with arm exercise
18	7,014,600	Overhead adjustable resistance exercise machine
19	7,009,157	Procedure for soldering the constituent layers of a multilayer printed
		circuit and the machine used for same
20	7,004,891	Inclined leg press weight training machine
21	7,004,890	Leg press weight training machine
22	6,994,657	Elliptical exercise machine
23	6,991,587	Elliptical exercise apparatus with a~ustment
24	6,955,630	Exercise machine
25	6,942,599	Control panel for use while exercising
26	6,920,584	System design verification using selected states of a processor-based
		system to reveal deficiencies
27	6,909,856	Functionality .switching for MICR printing
28	6,902,513	Interactive. fitness equipment
29	6,881,176	Exercise assistance apparatus
30	6,878,099	Cooling system for exercise machine
31	6,811,517	Polestrider exercise apparatus with dual treads
32	6,749,537	Method and apparatus for remote interactive exercise and health
		equipment
33	6,746,371	Managing fitness activity across diverse exercise machines utilizing a
		portable computer system
34	6,735,576	Method of real-time optimization of control device equipped with fuzzy
		inference system
35	6,702,719	Exercise machine
36	6,695,694	Game machine, game device control method, information storage medium,
		game distribution device, and game distribution method
37	6,683,587	Switched mode digital logic method. system and apparatus for directly
		driving LCD glass
38	6,651,201	Programmable memory built-in self-test combining microcode and finite
		state machine self-test
39	6,634,992	Training machine, image output processing device and method, and
		recording medium which stores image outputting programs
40	6,632,161	Apparatus and a method for loading weights
41	6,626,805	Exercise machine
42	6 626,800	Method of exercise prescription and evaluation
43	6,612,969	Variable stride elliptical exercise apparatus
44	6,601,016	Monitoring fitness activity across diverse exercise machines utilizing a
		universally accessible server system
45	6,579,212	Posture training machine
46	6,561,955	Machine-assisted exercising
47	6,554,309	Bicycle pedaling power unit with leverage shifting
48	6,537,229	Method and apparatus for monitoring and improving blood circulation by
		resonance
49	6,535,862	Method and circuit for performing the integrity diagnostic of an artificial
		neural network
50	6,511,404	Exercise machine capable of training and soothing muscles
51	6,482,132	Compact elliptical exercise apparatus
52	6,458,080	Managing parameters effecting the comprehensive health of a user
53	6,443,837	Bonus games for gaming machines with strategy options
54	6,440 042	Pathfinder elliptical exercise machine
55	6 422,977	Compact elliptical exercise machine with adjustment
56	6,422,976	Compact elliptical exercise machine with arm exercise
57	6 413,191	Exercise equipment connected to an electronic game of chance
58	6,409,632	Compact elliptical exercise machine
59	6,394,239	Controllable medium device and apparatus utilizing same
60	6,390,951	Apparatus and method for aligning exercise machines
61	6,383,154	Multi-stage bi-directional breath flow and blood circulation aider
62	6,368,251	Machine force application control with safety braking system and exercise
		method
63	6,361,476	Variable exercise apparatus
64	6,339,910	Device for the of products into a packaging container
65	6,336,891	Interactive exercise pad system
66	6,314,390	Method of determining model parameters for a MOSFET compact model
		using a stochastic search algorithm
67	6,311,488	Cooling fan drive apparatus
68	6,302,833	Multi-function exercise machine
69	6,301,515	System for establishing optimal critical characteristics of manufactured
		products
70	6,293,375	Permanent magnet brake mechanism
71	6,283,896	Computer interface with remote communication apparatus for an exercise,
		machine
72	6,270,445	In-bed exercise machine and method of use
73	6,264,197	Dozer pusher amusement game
74	6,244,988	Interactive exercise system and attachment module for same
75	6,193,631	Force script implementation over a wide area network
76	6,179,746	Activity controlled audio-visual system
77	6,176,813	Power controlled exercising machine and method for controlling the same
78	6,168,552	Selective lift elliptical exercise apparatus
79	6,162,151	Ambulatory exercise machine and ambulatory exercise system
80	6,152,856	Real time simulation sensing
81	6,152,855	In-bed exercise machine and method of use
82	6,149,612	Rehabilitative apparatus for treating reflex sympathetic dystrophy
83	6,135,924	Treadmill with optical position sensing
84	6,129,552	Teaching installation learning and practicing the use of fire-fighting
		equipment
85	6,106,297	Distributed interactive simulation manager system and method
86	6,095,949	Health management device
87	6,090,014	Adjustable cross trainer exercise apparatus
88	6,085,135	Method for agricultural map image display,
89	6,077,198	Selective lift. cross trainer exercise apparatus
90	6,077,196	Adjustable elliptical exercise apparatus
91	6 066 074	Exercise apparatus and method
92	6,064,854	Computer assisted interactive entertainment/educational character-goods
93	6,059,692	Apparatus for remote interactive exercise and health equipment
94	6,056,670	Power controlled exercising machine and method for controlling the same
95	6,045,488	Lift variable cross trainer exercise apparatus
96	6,042,513	Non destructive runaway protection for an electric motor
97	6,042,512	Variable lift cross trainer exercise apparatus
98	6,042 508	Adjustable hand-held exercise weight with pulse detection and remote
		infrared control
99	6,024,676	Compact cross trainer exercise apparatus
100	5,993,359	Variable stroke elliptical exercise apparatus

Selecting the condition of a machine with a card having punched holes or a magnetic stripe is too well known to require description. Newer RFID (radio frequency identification device) tags and transponders are also known. Disclosures of these are incorporated herein by reference to the first 100 of 3032 U.S. patent Publications and 813 U.S. patents, such incorporation being based on their designation by the Patent Office web site as claiming an rfid tag or transponder.


	PUB. APP.
	NO.	Title

1	20070276985	Data format for efficient encoding and access of multiple data items in
		RFID tags
2	20070276984	Data format for efficient encoding and access of multiple data items in
		RFID tags
3	20070276944	APPARATUS FOR ACCESS CONTROL AND PROCESSING
4	20070276923	Printed publication with an interface to a video or audio device
5	20070276735	Information system and information-providiniz method
6	20070275735	MAP INFORMATION COMMUNICATED VIA A WIRELESS
		SYSTEM
7	20070275673	SIGNAL TRANSMITTING AND RECEIVING APPARATUS
		CAPABLE OF PREVENTING THE RECEIVING END FROM
		SATURATING
8	20070274626	Optical Device Characterization
9	20070274242	MULTI-TAG EMULATOR
10	20070273534	Vehicle activity module
11	20070273532	RFID tag for conductive surface
12	20070273531	Communication antenna and pole with built-in antenna
13	20070273530	Tag communication device, tag moving direction detecting system and tag
		moving direction detecting method
14	20070273525	RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION SYSTEMS APPLICATIONS
15	20070273524	WIRELESS SYSTEM TO DETECT PRESENCE OF CHILD-IN A
		BABY CAR SEAT
16	20070273520	Garment marking clip and label strip
17	20070273519	System For Manning Information Of A RFID Tag, Apparatus For
		Communicating With A RFID Tag Reader For Communicating With A
		RFID Tag, Cartridge For Including At Least A RFID Tag, And RFID Tag
18	20070273517	Apparatus and method for integrated healthcare management
19	2007027316	Self-referential-integrity checking system and method
20	20070273481	RFID to with programmable read range
21	20070273473	Wireless communications devices, wireless communications systems, and
		methods of performing wireless communications with a portable device
22	20070272758	Cartridge and system for duplicating optical disks
23	20070272746	Medical Device Radio Frequency Identification System and Method
24	20070272272	Dishwasher and Method Thereof
25	20070271180	MULTIMEDIA CONTENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD
		OF COUPLING A SENSOR ENABLED-MEDIUM TO A NETWORK
		INFRASTRUCTURE
26	20070270744	Limited Reuse Assembly For Ophthalmic Injjection Device
27	20070270672	Wearable Sensor Device and System
28	20070268759	Systems for and methods of asset management in a waste management
		service environment
29	20070268322	Printer
30	20070268142	VSWR classification and non-resonant encoding of RFID tags using a near-
		field encoder
31	20070268136	Methods and apparatus for determining and using distance information for
		distances between RFID transceivers and REID tags
32	20070268135	System and method for detecting, monitoring, tracking and identifying
		explosive materials .using visibility devices
33	20070266782	USER INTERFACE FOR VEHICLE INSPECTION
34	20070265984	Financial transaction using mobile devices
35	20070265964	System and Method for Payment Using Radio Frequency Identification in
		Contact and Contactless Transactions
36	20070265924	System and method for funding a collective account b use of an electronic
		tag
37	20070265877	INFORMATIVE ACCESSORIES
38	20070265799	System for determining three dimensional position of radio transmitter
39	20070265729	SYSTEM, METHOD AND CORRESPONDING APPARATUS FOR
		STORING, RETRIEVING AND DELIVERING UNIT DOSE BLISTERS
40	20070265004	System-for measuring radio communicative region
41	20070264974	Privacy Control of Location Information
42	20070264968	Location-Based Targeting
43	20070263560	Push-to-talk over cellular group set-up and handling using near field
		communication (NFC)
44	20070262873	REFID UHF STRIPLINE ANTENNA-COUPLER
45	20070262872	MULTISTATIC ANTENNA CONFIGURATION FOR RADIO
		FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION (RFID) SYSTEMS
46	20070262870	Tag communication system, interference preventing method and tag
		communication controller
47	20070262867	RFID COUPLER FOR METALLIC IMPLEMENTS
48	20070262865	Antenna for a Combination Eas/Rfid Tag with a Detacher
49	20070262864	CONTAINER FOR INCLUDING AT LEAST A RFID TAG,
		APPARATUS FOR COMMUNICATING WITH A RFID TAG,
		MANAGEMENT SERVER FOR MANAGING PRODUCTION
		INFORMATION OF_A RFID TAG, AND MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
		FOR MANAGING PRODUCTION INFORMATION OF A RFID TAG
50	20070262860	Distribution of Messages and the Serving, Collecting, Managing, and
		Analyzing and Reporting of Information relating to Mobile and other
		Electronic Devices
51	20070262849	Active/Passive Coupled Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)_system
52	20070262134	SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ACTIVATING TELEPHONE-BASED
		PAYMENT INSTRUMENT
53	20070261713	Transmitting/Receiving Device for Washing Machine and Apparatus and
		Method Thereof
54	20070261280	Portable folding sign apparatus
55	20070260808	Remotely controllable media distribution device
56	20070260572	INTERACTIVE DATA MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
57	20070260491	System for delivery and monitoring of administration of controlled
		substances
58	20070260466	System and methods for a recycling program
59	20070259477	Process for Making an Organic Field Effect Transistor
60	20070258957	Method for obtaining and storing multipotent stem cells
61	20070258221	Semiconductor Device
62	20070257984.	Method for Displaying Route Information
63	20070257857	Apparatus for and Method of Using a Diversity Antenna
64	20_070257803	RF-CONTROLLED DEVICES TO INCREASE COMPLIANCE WITH
		HANDWASHING PROTOCOLS
65	20070257802	Memory module and card with integrated RFID tag
66	20070257801	RFID label, tag tape roll, RED. circuit element cartridge
67	20070257800	IC tags/RFID tags for magnetic resonance imaging applications
68	20070257799	METHOD AND STRUCTURE FOR USING DAISY CHAINED RFID
		TAGS
69	20070257796	Wireless picocellular RFID systems and methods
70	20070257795	Systems and methods for approximating the location of an REID tag
71	20070257776	Verification of singulated RFID tags by RFID readers
72	20070257768	System and method for point-of-sale activation of consumer electronics
73	20070257101	Systems and methods for providing access to gaming devices
74	20070256291	Electronic small elements supported on a carrier.
75	20070255820	Methods and apparatus for aconsolidated switch for use with networked RF
		components
76	20070254712	Mobile commerce method and device
77	20070254676	Assisting A Location-Determining System Using Location Determined
		From A Communication System
78	20070254674	Location Determination With A Wireless System
79	20070254670	System and method for optimizing throughput in a wireless network
80	20070254080	RFID food production, inventory and delivery management method for a
		restaurant
81	20070253593	Methods for making an authenticating system
82	20070252944	Eyewear with enhanced fit
83	20070252773	Antenna Structure for a Wireless Device with a Ground Plane Shaped as a
		Loop
84	20070252704	REID label
85	20070252701	RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION (RFID) PORTAL ANTENNA
		MOUNTING FRAME
86	20070252700	Affixing Method of Rfid Label and its Affixing Apparatus
87	20070252697	METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IDENTIFYING MISSING ITEMS
88	20070252691	Sensor system including multiple radio frequency identification tags
89	20070252687	METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IMPROVING THE EFFICIENCY
		AND ACCURACY OF RFID SYSTEMS
90	20070252677	METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IMPROVING THE EFFICIENCY
		AND ACCURACY OF RFID SYSTEMS
91	20070252676	Mobile RFID_reader system and_method
92	20070252185	Integrated circuit and manufacturing method thereof
93	20070252001	Access control system with RFID and biometric facial recolanitio_n
94	20070251993	Rfid Card Issuing System
95	20070251521	RFID food production, inventory and delivery management system for_a
		restaurant
96	20070251190	Method And Apparatus For Inflating And Sealing Packing Cushions
		Employing Film Recognition Controller
97	20070250704	Privacy enhanced identity scheme using an un-linkable identifier
98	20070250603	System and method for enhancing DHCP and SNMP messages with RFID
		EPC ID
99	20070250537	METHOD OF MATCHING THE CONTENTS OF A CONTAINER WITH
		INFORMATION PERTAINING TO ITS USE
100	20070250411	System and method for inventory tracking and control of mission-critical
		military equipment and supplies


	PAT.
	NO.	Title

1	7,305,324	System and method for identifying. validating, weighing and characterizing
		moving or stationary vehicles and cargo
2	7,304,585	Initiation of actions with compressed action language representations
3	7,304,579	RFID reader to select code modules
4	7,304 578	Tag including RFID circuit storing data modifiable using a physically
		alterable medium
5	7,304,577	Variable frequency radio frequency identification (RFID)-tags
6	7,304 576	Refurbishing and resale techniques for data storage tape
7	7,304,574	Alarm investigation using RFID
8	7,303,123	Method of labeling an item for item-level identification
9	7,303,120	System for biometric security using a FOB
10	7 303,080	Waste sensor for a disposable container
11	7,302,751	Method of fabricating a rat's nest RFID antenna
12	7,299,987	Portable handset having a radio frequency identification(RFID function and
		method using the same
13	7,299,125	In-transit package location tracking and reporting
14	7,298,330	RFID tag with enhanced readability
15	7 298,273	RFID tag
16	7,298,268	Read authentication system for securing data stored on RFID tags
17	7,298,267	RFID test interface systems and methods
18	7,298,265	RFID tag and method of manufacturing the same
19	7,298,264	RFID tag filtering and monitoring
20	7,298,258	Construction hard hat having electronic circuitry
21	7,298,251	Hand held RFID reader with dipole antenna
22	7,296,745	Store item mark down system and method
23	7,296,740	Routing telecommunications to a user in_dependence upon location
24	7,295,132	Self-locating devices via highly directional RFID tags in controlled location
25	7 295,120	Device for verifying a location of a radio-frequency-identification RFID tan
		an item
26	7,295,118	Low cost RFID system
27	7,295,116	Architecture, programming model and APPS
28	7,295,114	Location management for radio frequency identification readers
29	7,295,113	Controller for accessing multiple frequency identification (RFID)
		readers
30	7,294,369	Polymerisable cinnamates with lateral substitution
31	7,294,116	Surgical smoke plume evacuation system
32	7,293,715	Marking system and method
33	7,293,705	Radio frequency identification method and system of distributing products
34	7,292,512	System using radio frequency identification (RFID) for copy management
		of digital media
35	7 292,148	Method of variable position strap mounting for RFID transponder
36	7 292,147	Optical disk and method of integrating a high gain RFID antenna
37	7,292,146	Advanced food and or drink organization and or handling system
38	7,292,138	Vehicle tire with RFID tag
39	7,290,717	System and method for machine readable symbol backup for radio
		frequency identification tags
40	7,290,709	Information_——card_———system
41	7,290,702	Method and apparatus for recording and utilizing unknown signals of
		remote control devices
42	7,290,701	Gathering data relating to electrical components picked from stacked trays
43	7,289,810	Location detection and network awareness for multi-mode/multi-radio
		mobile devices
44	7,289,027	Network management using suppressible RFID tags
45	7,289,026	Method and system for gathering data from RFID tags on library items and
		transmitting that data to the active focus of an application
46	7,287,693	Proximity validation system and method
47	7,286,900	Medical item storage method
48	7,286,888	Automated manufacturing control
49	7,286835	Enhanced wireless node location using differential signal strength metric
50	7,286,158	Method and system for providing integrated remote monitoring services
51	7,286,055	Tamper-resistant RFID disabling apparatus
52	7,286,043	System and method for inventorying multiple remote objects
53	7,2,84704	Combined electromagnetic and optical communication system
54	7,284,703	System and method for minimizing unwanted re-negotiation of a passive
		RFID tag
55	7,284,692	ATM with RFID card, note, and check reading capabilities
56	7 284,003	Product lifecycle data management system and product lifecycle data
		management method
57	7,283,975	System and method for tracking and managing construction projects
58	7,283,054	Tamper-resistant RFID disabling, apparatus and method of manufacturing
59	7,283,048	Multi-level meshed security network
60	7,283,044	Method and apparatus for a privacy enabling radio frequency identification
		(RFID) reader
61	7,283,037	RFID tags adjusting to different regulatory environments, and RFID readers
		to so adjust them and methods
62	7,283,035	Radio frequency data communications device with selectively removable
		antenna portion and method
63	7,281,657	Device for digitizing and processing checks in accordance with the Check
		21 Act and for reading an decoding optical codes
64	7,281,311	Method of attaching a transfer resistant RFID tag to a surface
65	7,280,642	Status monitories system utilizing an RFID monitoring system
66	7,280,251	System and method for calibrating color printers
67	7,280,045	Machine-readable tag selectable extension antennas for use therewith, and
		display structure having such tag
68	7,280,044	RFID activated paperchip tag
69	7,278,568	Mail sorting systems and methods
70	7,277,889	Asset management and status system
71	7,277 223	Apparatus-and methods for focusing and collimating telescopes
72	7,277,017	RFID tag
73	7,277,016	System and method for disabling RFID tags
74	7,276,137	Textile product having an integrated sensor for measuring pressure and
		temperature
75	7,275,682	Sample identification utilizing RFID tags
76	7,275,040	RFID security-device for optical disc
77	7,274,909	Method and system for selecting items for service requests
78	7,274,297	RFID tag and method of manufacture
79	7,274,296	RFID tag
80	7,274,292	Proximity management system and method using radio-frequency
		identification tags
81	7,274,291	Dynamic and hybrid RFID
82	7 273 179	Portable data reading device with integrated web server for configuration
		and data extraction
83	7,272,502	RFID tag installation system using a vehicle and a method thereof
84	7,271,719	RFID system for monitoring food hygiene
85	7,271,715	Personal articles tracking
86	7,271,702	Method and system for autonomous correlation of sensed environmental..
		attributes with entities
87	7,270,268	Radio frequency identification systems applications
88	7,269,361	System and method for notifying a user of a document left at a xerographic
		apparatus
89	7,268,736	Small rectenna for radio frequency identification transponder
90	7,268,688	Shielded RFID transceiver with illuminated sensing surface
91	7,268,687	Radio frequency identification tags with compensating elements
92	7,268 686	RFID radiation nullifier
93	7,268,684	Workstation RFID reader for surgical instruments and surgical instrument
		trays and methods of using same
94	7,268,680	Electronic identification tag with electronic banding
95	7,267,286	System and method for batch conversion of RFID tag to to RFID label
96	7,267,270	Goods tracking system and method
97	7,267,262	Method and apparatus confirming valuable items
98	7,266,518	Spare parts inventory management
99	7,265,675	Multistatic antenna configuration for radio frequency identifcation (RFID)
		systems
100	7,264,161	Process for, monitoring production of compositions

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention changes this paradigm by introducing the concept of Smart Embedded Actuator System for RFID Enabled Fitness Machines. From a practical perspective, this means that a user will carry, e.g., wear, an interactive, e.g. punched, magnetic or RFID tag, which herein includes any such portable transponder, that will be detected by a reader on or at a condition selectable fitness machine. The detection of the tag will provide information relative to the user and/or a selectable condition of the machine.
If the detection of the tag provides selection of a condition of the machine, the machine is set for the condition relative to the user by the user's carrying the tag detected. In this case, the user may have to carry multiple tags to provide information relative to the user to select conditions of respective machines and/or to change the tag carried when the condition selected is to be changed.
If the detection of the tag provides information relative to the user, e.g. user identification, the reader is connected to a device, e.g., a PC running a software application that will associate the tag identification with its own database of condition selection for the identified user for correspondingly setting a respective fitness machine.
The condition of the machine set depends on the machine. For a treadmill, for example, the condition may be one or both of time or speed of operation. For a weight lifting machine, for example, an actuator will select a weight to lift. Therefore, still other selectable conditions of these and still other fitness machines are contemplated according to the conditions of such machines selectable relative to the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

Preferred embodiments that illustrate but do not limit the invention will now be described relative to a drawing in which:

FIG. 1 is a pictorial elevation of a weight lifting fitness machine incorporating the invention; and

FIG. 2 is a schematic bottom plan view of a weight portion of the fitness machine of FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is based on a commercial Iron Body cable-operated weight lifting machine 10. As well known in such machines, a cable arrangement pulls a bar (not shown) having holes (not shown) along its length. The bar extends through central holes (1 in FIG. 2) of a stack of plate weights (2 in FIG. 2) having transverse holes or bottom grooves (4 in FIG. 2) to the holes in the bar. Actuators 6 (one shown in FIG. 2) on each of the plate weights extend members when activated as shown for the one in FIG. 2 into one of the holes in the bar. Then, movement of the bar with the cable lifts all the plate weights above the plate weight with the activated actuator, whereby to select that weight condition for the machine 10.
To select the actuator to actuate, a user carries to the machine 10 a tag (not shown) indicating the actuator, thereby relating the user to the actuator that will select the condition of the machine relative to the user as described above. While the tag may be in other preferred embodiments (not shown) another machine readable device such as a punch or magnetic-swipe card, the tag for this preferred embodiment is a Radio Frequency Identification Device, RFID, which is known as described above to be a radio frequency transponder that responds without other input power to a radio frequency signal in this case from an RFID antenna 8 on or at the machine 10. A power supply 12 provides the radio frequency signal to the antenna 8, which receives the transponded signal from the tag to indicate an actuator. The transponded signal received by the antenna is provided to an RFID reader 14, which reads from the transponded signal identification of the actuator 2 and sends a signal to the actuator 2 to select it and, thereby, a weight relative to the tag carried by the user.
In another preferred embodiment, the tag carried by the user identifies the user, for example by a gym membership number or other code or name, and the RFID reader is a personal computer (PC) or PC-like device that looks up the so-identified user in a database that correlates the user to an actuator of the machine to select as above a weight relative to the user.
Thus, a whole system is composed of:

- a) A weight lifting fitness machine (does not matter the brand, in this case IRON BODY brand);
- b) An RFID reader and antenna (e.g., a Samsys);
- c) A PC (e.g., running windows XP );
- d) A VB6 software application;
- e) An actuator (e.g., a solenoid brand Black Knight 123-420-620-620)
- f) A DC power supply to energize the solenoid; and
- g) Sensors (OPTIONAL, to count the number of exercise repetitions being performed).

Though the invention makes sense as a whole, considering all the components and their interaction to offer a SMART experience, the unique/innovative element is the embedded actuator in each of the machines's weight plates, controlled by the RFID reader.
Variations, permutations and combinations of the elements of the invention as will occur to those of ordinary skill in the art are contemplated as within the scope of the invention of the following claims.

Claims

1. In a system with an exercise machine having an adjustable response, the improvements comprising:

at least one of a selection panel for operation by a user or transmitter for carrying by the user, the selection panel or transmitter for transmitting user-related data;

a receiver for receiving the user-related data; and

a device operatively connected to the exercise machine for setting the adjustable response of the exercise machine in response to the received user-related data.

2. The exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein the transmitter is a Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID).

3. The exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein the selection panel is at the exercise machine for receiving the user-related data.

4. The exercise machine according to claim 2, wherein the selection panel is at the exercise machine for receiving the user-related data.

5. The exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein the device comprises means for converting the user-related data into the adjustable response, whereby the same user-related data may adjust different responses on different exercise machines.

6. The exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein the device comprise at least one of a PC or solenoid.

7. The exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the selection panel and transmitter is voice responsive for input thereinto of the user-related data.

8. The exercise according to claim 1, wherein the adjustable response is at least one of weight, speed or duration.

9. In a fitness machine having a controllable condition, the improvements comprising:

means for carrying to the fitness machine by a user of the fitness machine and identifying the user;

a reader on or at the fitness machine for detecting the identifying of the user and associating the identification with a condition selection for the user in a database; and

an actuator on the fitness machine responsive to the condition selection for correspondingly setting the fitness machine.

10. In a fitness machine having a controllable condition, the improvements comprising:

means for carrying to the fitness machine by a user of the fitness machine and selecting the controllable condition of the fitness machine relative to the user;

a reader on or at the fitness machine for detecting the selected controllable condition; and

an actuator on the fitness machine responsive to the selected controllable condition for correspondingly setting the fitness machine.