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Software Patent Abstract
The invention relates to a method, equipment implementing the method,
and a computer software product, the method generating exercise
instructions for a physical exercise. The method comprises determining
the standard condition value of a heart rate parameter in a user-specific
performance monitor by measuring the user's heart rate wherein the
standard condition value of the heart rate parameter is a function
of the standard condition value of the heart rate variation; performing
comparison between the standard condition value of the heart rate
parameter and a standard condition reference value of the heart
rate parameter; and generating exercise instruction information
for at least one future physical exercise on the basis of the comparison.
Software Patent Claims
1. A method for generating exercise instructions for a physical
exercise comprising:determining the standard condition value of
a heart rate parameter in a user-specific performance monitor by
measuring the user's heart rate, wherein the standard condition
value of the heart rate parameter is a function of the standard
condition value of the heart rate variation;performing comparison
between the standard condition value of the heart rate parameter
and a standard condition reference value of the heart rate parameter;
andgenerating exercise instruction information for at least one
future physical exercise on the basis of the comparison.
2. A method according to claim 1, further comprising:storing several
day-specific standard condition values of the heart rate parameter;
andcalculating the standard condition reference value of the heart
rate parameter by using several day-specific standard condition
values of the heart rate parameter.
3. A method according to claim 1, further comprising:storing exercise
history information on the user's exercise, measured with the user-specific
performance monitor; andgenerating exercise instruction information
for said at least one future exercise on the basis of the exercise
history information.
4. A method according to claim 1, further comprising reminding
the user of at least one of the following by means of the user-specific
performance monitor: prevailing standard conditions, preparing for
standard conditions.
5. A method according to claim 1, wherein the exercise instruction
information characterizes at least one of the following features
of the future exercise: time of the exercise, intensity of the exercise,
duration of the exercise, type of the exercise, energy consumption
of the exercise.
6. A user-specific performance monitor, comprising: a heart rate
measurement unit configured to measure the user's heart rate;a heart
rate parameter determination unit configured to determine the standard
condition value of a heart rate parameter on the basis of the user's
heart rate, wherein the standard condition value of the heart rate
parameter is a function of the standard condition value of the heart
rate variation;a comparison unit configured to perform comparison
between the standard condition value of a heart rate parameter and
a standard condition reference value of the heart rate parameter;
andan instruction determination unit configured to generate exercise
instruction information for at least one future physical exercise
on the basis of the comparison.
7. A user-specific performance monitor according to claim 6, further
comprising:a storing unit configured to store several day-specific
standard condition values of the heart rate parameter; anda calculation
unit configured to calculate the standard condition reference value
of the heart rate parameter by using several day-specific standard
condition values of heart rate parameters.
8. A user-specific performance monitor according to claim 6, further
comprising:an exercise history information storing unit configured
to store exercise history information measured by means of the user-specific
performance monitor; andwherein the instruction determination unit
is configured to generate exercise instruction information for at
least one future exercise on the basis of the exercise history information.
9. A user-specific performance monitor according to claim 6, further
comprising reminder means for reminding the user of at least one
of the following: prevailing standard conditions, preparing for
standard conditions.
10. A user-specific performance monitor according to claim 6, wherein
the exercise instruction information characterizes at least one
of the following features of the future exercise: time of the exercise,
intensity of the exercise, duration of the exercise, type of the
exercise, energy consumption of the exercise.
11. A system for generating exercise instructions for a physical
exercise comprising:heart rate parameter value determination means
for determining the standard condition value of a heart rate parameter
by measuring the user's heart rate in a user-specific performance
monitor, wherein the standard condition value of the heart rate
parameter is a function of the standard condition value of the heart
rate variation;comparison means for performing comparison between
the standard condition value of the heart rate parameter and a standard
condition reference value of the heart rate parameter; andinstruction-generating
means for generating exercise instruction information for at least
one future physical exercise on the basis of the comparison.
12. A computer software product, comprising coded instructions
for executing a computer process in a digital processor, which computer
process generates exercise instructions for a physical exercise,
the computer process comprising:inputting heart rate information
measured in a user-specific performance monitor;determining the
standard condition value of a heart rate parameter on the basis
of the heart rate information, wherein the standard condition value
of the heart rate parameter is a function of the standard condition
value of the heart rate variation;performing comparison between
the standard condition value of the heart rate parameter and a standard
condition reference value of the heart rate parameter; andgenerating
exercise instruction information for at least one future physical
exercise on the basis of the comparison.
13. A computer software distribution means, comprising the computer
software product of claim 12.
Software Patent Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001]This application claims priority to Finnish Patent Application
Serial No. 20065286, filed on May 3, 2006, which is incorporated
herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002]1. Field of the Invention
[0003]The invention relates to a method for generating exercise
instructions for a physical exercise, a user-specific performance
monitor, a system for generating exercise instructions for a physical
exercise, and a computer software product.
[0004]2. Description of the Related Art
[0005]The aim of exercise instructions for a physical exercise
is typically to achieve optimal physical condition for a person
doing keep-fit exercise or for a competing athlete. The exercise
instructions are typically included in a training program prepared
by trainers, for example. Training programs typically define training
parameters aimed at, such as the time, duration and intensity of
the exercise.
[0006]Training programs are typically prepared according to the
type of sport for a longer period of time in advance, based on the
advance information on the effects of the particular training program
on physical condition. Modification of the training program is typically
based on follow-up of physical condition taking place infrequently
in test exercises monitored by the trainer or by measuring ultimate
performance for instance in competitive situations.
[0007]It is known that physical exercises that are heavy with respect
to their intensity can quickly build up maximum physical condition,
but heavy exercises repeated too often may result in overexertion
instead of build-up of physical condition. The optimal amount of
heavy exercise may be different with different persons. Studies
on physical education have shown that the build-up of physical condition
with the same exercise program may vary a great deal between different
persons. A training program that has built up the physical condition
of some people has provided a negative change in the physical condition
or no change at all for some test persons.
[0008]A long-term training program and infrequent follow-up according
to known methods are not capable of producing real-time information
on the basis of which the training program could be optimized to
achieve user-specifically as good physical condition as possible.
Thus, it is worthwhile to consider expedients with which to generate
exercise instructions for a physical exercise.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009]An object of the invention is to implement a method, a user-specific
performance monitor, a system and a computer software product in
such a way that user-specific generation of exercise instructions
is achieved. As a first aspect of the invention, the invention provides
a method for generating exercise instructions for a physical exercise,
the method comprising: determining the standard condition value
of a heart rate parameter in a user-specific performance monitor
by measuring the user's heart rate; performing comparison between
the standard condition value of the heart rate parameter and a standard
condition reference value of the heart rate parameter; and generating
exercise instruction information for at least one future physical
exercise on the basis of the comparison.
[0010]A second aspect of the invention provides a user-specific
performance monitor, comprising a heart rate measurement unit for
measuring the user's heart rate; a heart rate parameter determination
unit for determining the standard condition value of a heart rate
parameter on the basis of the user's heart rate; a comparison unit
for performing comparison between the standard condition value of
a heart rate parameter and a standard condition reference value
of the heart rate parameter; and an instruction determination unit
for generating exercise instruction information for at least one
future physical exercise on the basis of the comparison.
[0011]As a third aspect of the invention, the invention provides
a system for generating exercise instructions for a physical exercise,
comprising: heart rate parameter value determination means for determining
the standard condition value of a heart rate parameter by measuring
the user's heart rate in a user-specific performance monitor; comparison
means for performing comparison between the standard condition value
of the heart rate parameter and a standard condition reference value
of the heart rate parameter; and instruction-generating means for
generating exercise instruction information for at least one future
physical exercise on the basis of the comparison.
[0012]As another aspect of the invention, the invention provides
a computer software product comprising coded instructions for executing
a computer process in a digital processor, which computer process
generates exercise instructions for a physical exercise, the computer
process comprising: inputting heart rate information measured in
a user-specific performance monitor; determining the standard condition
value of a heart rate parameter on the basis of the heart rate information;
performing comparison between the standard condition value of the
heart rate parameter and a standard condition reference value of
the heart rate parameter; and generating exercise instruction information
for at least one future physical exercise on the basis of the comparison.
[0013]Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in the
dependent claims.
[0014]The invention is based on the idea that the user's response
to preceding exercises is determined by measuring a standard condition
heart rate parameter, the heart rate parameter being compared with
a reference value of the heart rate parameter. On the basis of the
comparison, an exercise instruction concerning a future exercise
is determined.
[0015]The method, user-specific performance monitor, system and
computer software product according to the invention provide several
advantages. One advantage is obtaining a user-specific optimized
or nearly optimized exercise instruction that takes into account
the exertion caused by previous exercises.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016]The invention will now be described in greater detail in
connection with preferred embodiments, referring to the attached
drawings, in which
[0017]FIG. 1 shows a first example of the structure of a performance
monitor;
[0018]FIG. 2 shows a second example of the structure of a performance
monitor;
[0019]FIG. 3 shows a first example of a system for generating exercise
instructions for a physical exercise;
[0020]FIG. 4 shows a second example of a system for generating
exercise instructions for a physical exercise;
[0021]FIG. 5A shows a first example of an exercise information
table;
[0022]FIG. 5B shows a second example of an exercise information
table;
[0023]FIG. 6 shows a first example of the method according to embodiments
of the invention;
[0024]FIG. 7 shows a second example of the method according to
embodiments of the invention; and
[0025]FIG. 8 shows an example of the computer process according
to embodiments of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0026]FIG. 1 shows an example of the structure of a user-specific
performance monitor 100. In this context, the user-specific performance
monitor is referred to as `performance monitor`. The performance
monitor 100 typically comprises electrodes 106A, 106B, and ECG preamplifier
108 (ECG, electrocardiogram), a first communication unit (CO#1)
112, a second communication unit (CO#2) 116, a processing unit (PU)
120, a memory unit (MEM) 122 and a user interface (UI) 124.
[0027]The electrodes 106A, 106B detect the electric potential difference
generated by the electric activity of the heart muscle and generate
an ECG signal characterizing the electric activity of the heart
muscle. The ECG signal is fed to the ECG preamplifier 108 from the
electrodes 106A, 106B.
[0028]The ECG preamplifier 108 preamplifies the ECG signal and
feeds the preamplified ECG signal to the first communication unit
112. The first communication unit 112 may comprise several successive
amplifier stages, such as AGC (Automatic Gain Control) amplifier
and a power amplifier.
[0029]The first communication unit 112 generates a signal 114 transferring
ECG information. The ECG information may, for example, use the ECG
as such, part of the ECG and/or timing information of the heart
rate. The timing information may contain a timing pulse that predicts
the timing of a predetermined part of the ECG.
[0030]The signal 114 transferring ECG information is an electromagnetic
wave propagating in the air or in a conductor, for instance.
[0031]The second communication unit 116 receives the signal 114
transferring ECG information and feeds the ECG information to the
processing unit 120, which executes a computer process according
to the coded instructions stored in the memory unit 122.
[0032]The processing unit 120 may be implemented by using analogue
circuits, ASIC circuits (Application Specific Integrated Circuit),
a digital processor, memory, and computer software. The processing
unit 120 may form part of the computer of the measuring unit 100.
[0033]The user interface 124 typically comprises a display unit
(DISP) 126 and a display controller. The display unit 126 may contain
LCD components (Liquid Crystal Display), for instance. The display
unit 126 may display the exercise instructions to the user graphically
and/or numerically.
[0034]The user interface 124 may further comprise a keypad (KP)
128, by means of which the user may feed commands to the performance
monitor 100.
[0035]The performance monitor 100 shown in FIG. 1 may be divided
into a heart rate transmitter (HRTX) 102 and a central processing
unit (CEU) 104. The heart rate transmitter 102 typically comprises
device parts 106A to 112 and performs ECG measurement and transmission
of ECG information to the central processing unit 104. In some embodiments,
the heart rate transmitter 102 may comprise a heart rate detector,
which detects a predetermined part of the ECG, generates the transmitter
burst representing timing of a predetermined part of the ECG and/or
bit stream, and transmits the transmitter burst to the central processing
unit 104 or, for example, to the second communication unit 116 positioned
in the server.
[0036]The central processing unit 104 typically comprises device
parts 116 to 128, which process the signal 114 transmitting ECG
information and implement the user interface. Further, the central
processing unit 104 may comprise a measurement module that may carry
out measurements, such as acceleration measurements, temperature
measurements, pressure measurements and/or positioning measurements.
[0037]The central processing unit 104 is a wrist device, for example.
[0038]Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 2, the heart rate transmitter
102 is positioned in a transmitter belt 202 around a user's 200
chest. The ECG information may be transmitted telemetrically, optically
or galvanically from the heart rate transmitter 202 to a central
processing unit 204 that may be a wrist device positioned around
the user's wrist. However, the presented solution is not restricted
to a wrist device.
[0039]Referring to FIG. 1 again, in one embodiment the heart rate
transmitter 102 and the central processing unit 104 are integrated
into the same performance monitor 100, which forms a performance
monitor held around the user's wrist or around the handlebars of
a bicycle. In such a case, it may be that some device parts shown
in FIG. 1, such as the first communication unit 112 and the second
communication unit 116 are not needed. In one embodiment, the heart
rate transmitter 102 and part of the central processing unit 104
are integrated into the transmitter belt 202, whereby the transmitter
belt 202 may collect ECG data, process ECG data and determine values
of variables characterizing the heart rate. In this case, the signal
114 transferring ECG information transmits processed information,
such as values of variables characterizing the heart rate and commands
given by the user, between the heart rate transmitter 202 and the
central processing unit 204.
[0040]Referring to the example of FIG. 3, a system 300 may comprise
a performance monitor (PM) 302 and a calculation system (CS) 304.
The performance monitor 302 may exchange exercise information, such
as primary heart rate information, standard condition heart rate
parameters and standard condition reference values of a heart rate
parameter, with the calculation system 304 via an exercise information
signal 314. Primary heart rate information comprises, for example,
part of an ECG signal or timing information of the ECG.
[0041]The calculation unit 304 typically comprises a communication
interface (CI) 306, a central processing unit (CPU) 408, a memory
unit (MEM) 312 and a user interface.
[0042]The communication interface 306 implements the reception
and possibly transmission of an exercise information signal 314.
The communication interface 306 is, for instance, a wireless interface,
such as a radio interface, optical interface or audio interface.
In one embodiment, the communication interface 306 is a cable interface.
[0043]The central processing unit 308 executes a computer process
according to the coded instructions stored in a memory unit 312
to generate exercise instructions for a physical exercise. The central
processing unit 308 may feed the results of the processing, such
as exercise instruction information, to an interface 310.
[0044]The calculation system 304 may be implemented by means of
a computer and software, for example. The communication interface
306 may be integrated into the calculation system, or it may be
a peripheral device to be connected to the calculation system.
[0045]Further, the calculation system 304 may be implemented by
means of a portable communication device, such a mobile phone or
a PDA device (Personal Digital Assistant).
[0046]Referring to FIG. 4, a system 400 is examined which comprises
a heart rate measurement unit (HRMU) 402, a heart rate parameter
determination unit (HRPDU) 404, a comparison unit (CU) 406 and an
instruction determination unit (IDU) 408.
[0047]The heart rate measurement unit 402 measures the user's heart
rate, for example on the basis of the detection of the ECG signal
described in connection with FIG. 1, and generates a heart rate
information signal 418. The heart rate information signal 418 contains
heart rate information on the user's heart rate. Heart rate information
may be, for instance, timing information of heart rates or information
on the heart rate frequency, heart rate interval or heart rate variation.
[0048]The heart rate measurement unit 402 feeds the heart rate
information signal 418 to the heart rate parameter determination
unit 404, which determines the standard condition value of a heart
rate parameter on the basis of the heart rate information signal
418.
[0049]A standard condition heart rate parameter characterizes the
heart rate of the person being the object of the heart rate measurement
in standard conditions. Standard conditions refer to the physiological
state of the person being the object of the heart rate measurement
in such a way that the state remains the same or nearly the same
in repetitions. Thus, standard condition heart rate parameters,
determined under the same standard conditions, are mutually comparable
and may form a series of measurements representing the development
of the heart rate parameter.
[0050]Standard conditions may be based on the user's passive action.
Thus, heart rate information of the period of several hours, for
example, is fed to the heart rate parameter determination unit 404,
of which information the heart rate parameter determination unit
404 determines the part corresponding to standard conditions and
uses this part for determining a standard condition heart rate parameter.
Let us take an example where the period of time includes an exercise
and the following rest period, such as night. Thus, the heart rate
parameter determination unit 404 may deduce the prevailing standard
conditions on the basis of the characteristics of the heart rate
or the time measured, and use the corresponding part of the heart
rate information for determining a standard condition heart rate
parameter. In one embodiment, a standard condition heart rate parameter
is determined when the person being the object of the heart rate
measurement has just woken up. Standard conditions may also comprise
a predetermined position of the person, such as standing position.
[0051]Standard conditions may also be based on the user's active
action. Thus, the person being the object of the heart rate measurement
may, in a desired state, start the heart rate measurement and the
determination of a standard condition heart rate parameter. In one
embodiment, the system 400 comprises reminder means (RM) 416 that
remind the user about the prevailing standard conditions and starting
of the measurement. The reminder means 416 may also remind the person
to prepare for the standard conditions and to start the measurement.
[0052]Standard conditions may also be recognized on the basis of
the user's activity, the direction of the gravitation field or the
direction of the magnetic field of the earth, for example. The user's
activity and/or the direction of the gravitation field may be assessed
by means of, for instance, an acceleration sensor positioned in
connection with the performance monitor 100.
[0053]A standard condition heart rate parameter characterizes the
response of the person being the object of the heart rate measurement
to an exercise.
[0054]An exercise is typically a physical action by the user, aiming
at maintaining or affecting the user's physical performance. An
exercise is a physical exercise, such as a walking, swimming or
cycling exercise, the invention not being restricted to these exercises.
[0055]In one embodiment, the standard condition value is the function
of the standard condition value of the heart rate variation. The
standard condition heart rate variation characterizes the variability
between successive heart rate intervals. Heart rate variation is
also called heart rate variability HRV. The standard condition heart
rate variation may be determined with a method according to prior
art by using a Fourier and/or autoregressive analysis, for instance.
[0056]The standard condition value 420 of a heart rate parameter
is fed to the comparison unit 406, which performs comparison between
the standard condition value 420 of the heart rate parameter and
a standard condition reference value of the heart rate parameter.
[0057]The comparison unit 406 feeds a comparison result 422 characterizing
the comparison to the instruction determination unit 408 that generates
exercise instruction information for at least one future exercise
on the basis of the comparison.
[0058]Exercise instruction information comprises instructions for
carrying out a future exercise, intended for the person being the
object of the heart rate measurement. Exercise instruction information
comprises, for example, a recommendation on the time, duration and
intensity of the future exercise, the type of the exercise, the
range of the heart rate or the energy consumption. Exercise instruction
information may be presented with, for example, a weighted exertion
index, in which different ranges of the heart rate are weighted
with coefficients specific to particular ranges of the heart rate.
[0059]The type of the exercise may be, for instance, an anaerobic
exercise, aerobic exercise or strength exercise.
[0060]In one embodiment the future exercise is, relative to the
preceding exercise, the one following immediately. Exercise instruction
information may comprise an instruction for a rest period, so that
in this context the exercise may also be a rest exercise.
[0061]In one embodiment, the system 400 comprises a storing unit
410 and a calculation unit 412.
[0062]The storing unit 410 receives several day-specific standard
condition values 428 of a heart rate parameter and stores the day-specific
standard condition values 428 of the heart rate parameter. The calculation
unit 412 calculates a standard condition reference value 430 of
the heart rate parameter by using the standard condition day-specific
values 428 of the heart rate parameter, and feeds the standard condition
reference value 430 of the heart rate parameter to the comparison
unit 406.
[0063]The day-specific values 428 of the standard condition heart
rate parameter may be values of standard condition heart rate parameters
that are measured on successive mornings in standing position. The
calculation unit 412 may calculate an average value, for example,
of the day-specific values 428 of the standard condition heart rate
parameter. The reference value may be the average value or a modified
average value obtained from the average value and, for example,
standard deviation. In one embodiment, the reference value is the
average value minus standard deviation.
[0064]With reference to FIG. 5A, an example of an exercise information
table 500 is examined which explains the example of the operation
of an instruction determination unit 508. The black dots in the
exercise information table 500 denote standard condition values
of a heart rate parameter. A horizontal axis 502 shows time in a
random unit, and a vertical axis 504 shows the value of the heart
rate parameter in the random unit. Symbols F, R, L, M and H show
exercise instruction information FREE, REST, LIGHT EXERCISE, MEDIUM
HEAVY EXERCISE and HEAVY EXERCISE in this order.
[0065]The exercise information table 500 of the example shows periods
1 to 14, where at the beginning of each there is a vertical broken
line denoting the standard condition heart rate variation determined
at the beginning of period 1 to 14.
[0066]In the example presented, the standard condition reference
value 510 of the heart rate variation is determined during an initialization
period 506, whereby the exercise instruction is REST. Before the
exercise of each rest period 1 to 5, such as on the morning of the
rest period 1 to 5, the day-specific standard condition heart rate
variation is measured and stored in the storing unit 410.
[0067]In one embodiment, the standard condition reference value
510 of the heart rate variation is calculated during a flexible
time period preceding the current moment of time and known in advance.
The time period known in advance is for example 10 days, whereby
the standard condition heart rate variations measured during the
last 10 days are used in calculating the standard condition reference
value 510 of the heart rate variation. The standard condition reference
value 510 of the heart rate variation may be updated every time
new standard condition heart rate variation is determined.
[0068]With reference to FIG. 5B, a second example of an exercise
information table 512 is examined which is based on measurements
on test persons. In the example shown, the horizontal axis 516 indicates
time as days, and the vertical axis 514 indicates the natural logarithm
(InHF) of the heart rate variation. A curve 518 shows the natural
logarithm of the measured heart rate variation, and a curve 520
shows the reference value of the heart rate variation. The letter
codes determining the exercise instruction below the curves 518,
520 are as follows: L=light exercise, H=heavy exercise, R=rest.
[0069]The training program has been preceded by a period of eight
days when there has been no training. The training instruction for
the period preceding the training was rest. During this period and
the following training program, the test person measures the heart
rate variation in standing position for five minutes after waking
up in the mornings. The values of the heart rate variation are indicated
on the curve 518. The actual training is started on the ninth day
with light training including light jogging for 40 minutes, the
heart rate average being 65% of the maximum value. This corresponds
to 120 to 130 heartbeats/min with the test person. The next day,
training is continued with heavy exercise including 5 minutes of
warm-up, 30 minutes of energetic running, the aim of the heart rate
average being 85% of the maximum heart rate, which corresponds to
about 160 to 170 heartbeats/min, and finally 5 minutes of warm-down.
The starting point for the training program is that it is implemented
from the ninth day onwards with the sequence L-H-H-L-H-H-L-H-H-R,
but from the eleventh day onwards it is changed to be lighter if
the heart rate variation decreases systematically or if the heart
rate variation is low. The reference value is the average of the
InHF values measured during the preceding ten days minus the standard
deviation calculated from the same values. In these situations,
if the training the day before has been heavy, the instruction is
light training, and if the training the day before has been light,
the instruction is a rest day. A supplementary condition may be
to have a rest day at least every ten days and to have light training
as the training instruction after two rest days, irrespective of
the heart rate variation.
[0070]The training instruction has been changed from the original
rhythm on five days in total. The changed exercise instructions
have been underlined. For example, on the 15.sup.th day, the heart
rate variation decreases the second time in succession, whereby
the instruction is an easy day. On the 20.sup.th day, the heart
rate variation decreases the second time in succession, whereby
the instruction is a rest day. On the 28.sup.th and 29.sup.th days,
the heart rate variation is below the reference value, whereby the
instruction is a rest day. On the 34.sup.th day, the heart rate
variation is below the reference value, whereby the instruction
is light training. On the 42.sup.nd day, the heart rate variation
decreases the second time in succession, whereby the instruction
is a rest day.
[0071]When examining the training program drafted for this person
and the one put into practice by him/her, it can be noted that the
number of heavy exercises is slightly smaller than in the original
program L-H-H-L-H-H-L-H-H-R and that the time of the heavy exercises
has slightly changed from the original plan. The user of the method
of the solution according to the invention can gain benefit from
the fact that heavy exercises may be done at such a time when his/her
system withstands a heavy exercise and the exercise thus leads to
positive changes in the system with regard to build-up of performance
and physical condition. On the other hand, the invention may encourage
the user to do light exercise or to have a rest day when a low or
decreased heart rate variation is detected.
[0072]Measurements on tests persons indicate that there may be
great variations between persons having been training according
to a program corresponding to the original instructions with regard
to the change in physical condition, so that with some people the
physical condition gets worse, whereas the group having been training
according to the program of the invention may achieve a significantly
better change in physical condition.
[0073]Referring to FIG. 4 again, the calculation unit 412 calculates
the standard condition reference value 510 of the heart rate variation
and feeds this reference value 510 to the comparison unit 406. With
this proceeding, the user's normal level of heart rate variation
is determined.
[0074]The initialization period 506 is followed by an exercise
period 508 comprising exercise instructions deviating from the exercise
instruction REST.
[0075]The exercise instruction of the first period 6 of the exercise
period 508 may be FREE, in which case the user can freely select
the level of the exercise according to how he/she feels.
[0076]In one embodiment, the instruction determination unit 408
generates a lightened exercise instruction relative to the preceding
exercise and exercise instruction if the standard condition value
of the heart rate variation of the period is below the standard
condition reference value 510 of the heart rate variation. The low
value of the standard condition heart rate variation may be interpreted
as resulting from the exertion caused by the preceding period or
periods, so that a lightened exercise instruction, such as REST,
LIGHT EXERCISE or MEDIUM HEAVY EXERCISE, in relation to the exercise
or exercise instruction of the preceding period, may now be determined
as the exercise instruction.
[0077]Still referring to FIG. 5A, period 7 is examined as an example
where the standard condition value of the heart rate variation is
below the standard condition reference value 510 of the heart rate
variation. Thus, the exercise instruction LIGHT EXERCISE, for example,
may be generated for period 7.
[0078]In one embodiment, the instruction determination unit 408
generates an exercise instruction REST if the standard condition
value of the heart rate variation is below the standard condition
reference value 510 of the heart rate variation for a predetermined
period of time. The values of the standard condition heart rate
variation of periods 7 and 8 are examined as examples, both of these
values being below the standard condition reference value 510 of
the heart rate variation. Thus, the exercise instruction of period
8 is REST.
[0079]In one embodiment, the exercise instruction represents an
exercise toughened up in relation to the preceding exercise instruction
or maintenance of the exercise instruction HEAVY EXERCISE if the
standard condition value of the heart rate variation is above the
standard condition reference value 510 of the heart rate variation.
An example of such a case is period 9, at the beginning of which
an increased heart rate variation has been measured. Thus, the exercise
instruction of the period is HEAVY EXERCISE, for instance.
[0080]In one embodiment, the instruction determination unit 408
generates an exercise instruction REST if the standard condition
value of the heart rate variation is below the standard condition
reference value 510 of the heart rate variation in a period of time
after a predetermined exercise instruction. An example of this is
period 9 where the exercise instruction is HEAVY EXERCISE, whereby
a value of the standard condition heart rate variation that is lower
than the standard condition reference value of the heart rate variation
is measured in period 10 after period 9. Thus, REST is generated
as the exercise instruction for period 10.
[0081]In one embodiment, the instruction determination unit 408
generates a lightened exercise instruction in relation to the preceding
exercise or exercise instruction if the standard condition value
of the heart rate variation has a downward trend, even if the standard
condition value of the heart rate variation were above the standard
condition reference value 510 of the heart rate variation. As an
example of this the standard condition values of the heart rate
variation in periods 12 and 13 are examined, both of the values
being above the standard condition reference value 510 of the heart
rate variation. Thus, the exercise instruction for period 13 is
REST.
[0082]Each exercise instruction may be associated with a target
variable measured with the performance monitor 100 and characterizing
the target of the exercise numerically. The target variable may
be, for example, a target average heart rate, target energy consumption
or target time. The above exercise instructions may be associated
with, for example, the target average heart rate as follows: [0083]LIGHT:
Average heart rate about 65% of maximum heart rate [0084]MEDIUM
HEAVY: Average heart rate about 75% of maximum heart rate [0085]HEAVY:
Average heart rate about 85% of maximum heart rate.
[0086]The association and the target average heart rates may be
preprogrammed to the instruction determination unit 408.
[0087]In one embodiment, the system 400 comprises an exercise information
storing unit (PHISU) 414 for storing exercise history information
measured with the performance monitor 100.
[0088]The heart rate measurement unit 402 feeds measurement information
424, such as values of a heart rate parameter, to the exercise information
storing unit 414, which stores the measurement information as exercise
history information. The exercise history information comprises
measurement information 424 and time information to be associated
with the measurement information.
[0089]In one embodiment, the exercise information storing unit
414 feeds exercise history information 426 to the instruction determination
unit 408, which generates exercise instruction information for at
least one future exercise on the basis of the exercise history information.
[0090]The exercise history information 426 may comprise, for example,
average heart rate values obtained with different exercise instructions.
Thus, the instruction determination unit 408 may set the user-specific
target average heart rates corresponding to different exercise instructions
and change values of the target average heart rates associated with
the exercise instructions when the user's performance changes during
the exercise program. Thus, the exercise instructions are adapted
according to the user's physical condition.
[0091]In one embodiment, the heart rate measurement unit 420 is
implemented by means of a heart rate transmitter 102. The heart
rate parameter determination unit 404, comparison unit 406, instruction
determination unit 408, storing unit 410, calculation unit 412 and
exercise information storing unit 414 may be implemented with computer
software executed in the processing unit 120 of the central processing
unit 104 of the performance monitor 100 and stored in the memory
unit 122. The reminder means 416 may be implemented with computer
software executed in the processing unit 120 of the central processing
unit 104 of the performance monitor 100 and stored in the memory
unit 122, and with the interface 124. The reminder means 416 may
be based on sound, indicator light and/or vibration.
[0092]In one embodiment, the heart rate measurement unit 402 is
implemented by means of the performance monitor 302. In this case,
the heart rate parameter determination unit 404, comparison unit
406, instruction determination unit 408, storing unit 410, calculation
unit 412 and/or exercise information storing unit 414 may be implemented
with computer software executed in the central processing unit 308
of the calculation system 304 and stored in the memory unit 312.
In this embodiment, the exercise information signal 314 transmitted
by the performance monitor 302 comprises heart rate information
on the user's heart rate, as well as other possible information,
such as time information on the ECG components or heart rate information.
[0093]In one embodiment, the heart rate measurement unit 402 and
the heart rate parameter determination unit 404 are implemented
with the performance monitor 302. In this case, the comparison unit
406 and instruction determination unit 408 may be implemented with
computer software executed in the central processing unit 308 of
the calculation system 304 and stored in the memory unit 312.
[0094]In one embodiment, the heart rate measurement unit 402, heart
rate parameter determination unit 404 and comparison unit 406 are
implemented with the performance monitor 302. In this case, the
instruction determination unit 408 may be implemented with computer
software executed in the central processing unit 308 of the calculation
system 304 and stored in the memory unit 312.
[0095]In one embodiment, the storing unit 410 and calculation unit
412 may be implemented with computer software executed in the central
processing unit 308 of the calculation system 304 and stored in
the memory unit 312.
[0096]In one embodiment, the exercise information storing unit
414 may be implemented with computer software executed in the central
processing unit 308 of the calculation system 304 and stored in
the memory unit 312.
[0097]It is to be noted that the exercise instruction tables 500
and 512 in FIGS. 5A and 5B are only suggestive and that determination
of the exercise instructions on the basis of a standard condition
heart rate parameter may be defined in a plurality of ways.
[0098]With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, let us examine methods according
to embodiments of the invention.
[0099]With reference to FIG. 6, the method starts at 600.
[0100]At 602, the user is reminded, by means of the user-specific
performance monitor 100, of at least one of the following: prevailing
standard conditions, preparing for standard conditions.
[0101]At 604, the value of a standard condition heart rate parameter
is determined in the user-specific performance monitor 100 by measuring
the user's heart rate.
[0102]If, at 606, no standard condition reference value of the
heart rate parameter is available, several day-specific values of
the standard condition heart rate parameter are stored at 608, and
a standard condition reference value of the heart rate parameter
is calculated at 610 by using several day-specific values of standard
condition heart rate parameters.
[0103]At 612, the standard condition value of the heart rate parameter
and the standard condition reference value of the heart rate parameter
are compared.
[0104]At 614, exercise instruction information is generated for
at least one future exercise on the basis of the comparison.
[0105]At 616, the method ends.
[0106]With reference to FIG. 7, the method starts at 700.
[0107]If, at 702, exercise history information is used when exercise
instruction information is generated, at 704 exercise history information
on the user's exercise, measured with the user-specific performance
monitor, is stored, and at 708 exercise instruction information
is generated for said at least one future exercise on the basis
of the exercise history information.
[0108]If, at 702, no exercise history information is used when
exercise instruction information is generated, exercise instruction
information is generated at 706 for said at least one future exercise
on the basis of the comparison.
[0109]At 710, the method ends.
[0110]FIGS. 6 and 7 further determine a computer process, method
steps of which may be carried out in the performance monitor 100
and/or in the calculation system 304.
[0111]With reference to FIG. 8, let us examine a computer process
according to an embodiment of the invention, which process is suitable
for generating exercise instructions for a physical exercise.
[0112]The computer process starts at 800.
[0113]At 802, heart rate information measured in the user-specific
performance monitor 100 is inputted.
[0114]At 804, the value 420 of a standard condition heart rate
parameter is determined on the basis of the heart rate information.
[0115]At 806, the value 420 of the standard condition heart rate
parameter and a standard condition reference value of the heart
rate parameter are compared.
[0116]At 808, exercise instruction information is generated for
at least one future exercise on the basis of the comparison.
[0117]At 810, the method ends.
[0118]The computer process may be included in the coded instructions
executed in the processing unit 120 of the performance monitor 100
and/or in the central processing unit of the calculation system
304. The coded instructions may be stored in the memory unit 122
of the performance monitor 100 and/or in the memory unit of the
calculation system 304.
[0119]The coded instructions may be included in a computer software
product and they may be transferred via a distribution means. The
distribution means is, for example, an electric, magnetic or optical
distribution means. The distribution means may be a physical distribution
means, such as a memory unit, an optical disc or a telecommunication
signal.
[0120]Although the invention has been described above with reference
to the example according to the attached drawings, it will be obvious
that it is not restricted thereto but may be modified in a plurality
of ways within the scope of the attached claims. |