Smart Barbell

Abstract

The present invention discloses an exercise system that allows tracking and monitoring of the exercise motion performed by end-users and enables insight into previously unavailable performance metrics. In a preferred embodiment of the instant invention, an exercise system comprising a barbell equipped with a system to determine the motion path of the barbell when lifted by an individual. The system for determining the motion path and the weight-load applied to the barbell comprises an array of sensors that collect information during the exercise movement, transmit that data to a collection system and processing system for analysis. The fusion of the plurality of sensors allows tracking and analysis of complex movements such as Olympic lifts (e.g., snatch or clean-and-jerk). For example, during exercise the motion and weight-load of the barbell of the instant invention is tracked and analyzed. The results of the analysis are reported to the athlete to improve the lifting form/technique or performance.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A device comprising:
 a. a barbell comprising:
 i. a bar; 
 ii. an inertial measurement unit; 
 iii. a transmission system; 
 iv. a collar; 
 v. an adjustable load segment; 
   
       wherein, removable weights may be added to the adjustable load segment of the barbell. 
     
     
         2 . A device of  claim 1 , wherein the inertial measurement unit comprises a sensor array. 
     
     
         3 . A sensory array of  claim 2  comprising:
 i. an IMU, wherein the IMU further comprises a gyroscope; an accelerometer; an altimeter; or a magnetometer; 
 ii. a strain gauge. 
 
     
     
         4 . A device of  claim 1 , wherein the barbell transmission system comprises a wired network connection. 
     
     
         5 . A device of  claim 1 , wherein the barbell transmission system comprises a wireless network connection. 
     
     
         6 . A device of  claim 1 , wherein the barbell transmission system comprises a local storage system to collect sensor data for later transmission using a connection comprising: either a wireless network connection or a wired network connection. 
     
     
         7 . An exercise system comprising:
 a. a local exercise system; and   b. a networked distribution system.   
     
     
         8 . An exercise system of  claim 7 , wherein said local exercise system comprises a real time positioning system, a data hub, and an exercise device. 
     
     
         9 . An exercise system of  claim 7 , wherein said networked distribution system comprises a user device, a server and a network. 
     
     
         10 . A local exercise system of  claim 7 , wherein said data hub comprises: a computer wherein said computer integrates data from said local exercise system and said networked distribution system comprising: collecting and transmitting real time position data, processing, and storage of data. 
     
     
         11 . A local exercise system of  claim 7 , wherein said real time position system comprises an ultra-wideband (UWB) tracking system. 
     
     
         12 . An ultra-wideband (UWB) tracking system of  claim 11 , wherein said UWB comprises a base station capture device and array of UWB antenna tags. 
     
     
         13 . A method comprising:
 a. acquiring one or more exercise devices;   b. activating one or more exercise devices;   c. establishing communication between a user device and said exercise device;   d. using said exercise device;   e. collecting information from one or more sensors on said exercise device;   f. transmitting data from said sensor(s) to a collection device; and,   g. evaluating said data.   
     
     
         14 . A method of  claim 13 , wherein the communication comprises:
 a. transmitting ultra-wideband data to a base station;   b. processing said data; and,   c. transmitting said results back to an end-user.