Wearable Architecture and Methods for Performance Monitoring, Analysis, and Feedback

Abstract

The present application relates generally to computer software, mobile electronics, wireless communication links, and wearable monitoring systems. More specifically, techniques, fabrics, materials, systems, sensors, EMG sensors, circuitry, algorithms and methods for wearable monitoring devices and associated exercise apparatus are described. A garment borne sensor system may generate data on a user's performance during exercise, for example, and the data may be analyzed in real time and feedback may be provided to the user based on the analysis. A piece of exercise equipment may be instrumented and in communication with the sensor system or other system and may be controlled in real time to adjust its settings to affect the user during the exercise routine. Communication between the sensor system and other systems may be wireless. Conductive structures formed directly in a fabric of the garment may integrally include sensors, circuitry, controllers, conductive traces, and sensor electronics.

1 . An apparatus for monitoring physical activity of a user, comprising:
 a controller;   a garment configured to be worn on a portion of a body of the user, the garment including:
 a set of electrode bases, 
 a set of electromyography sensors, each electromyography sensor coupled to one of the set of electrode bases, a fabric of the garment configured to cause each of the set of electromyography sensors to forcibly abut a skin of the user when the user wears the garment, each of the set of electromyography sensors configured to acquire bio-potential signals indicative of muscle activation, and 
 a set of conductive leads, each conductive lead coupled with an electrode base and configured to couple to the controller; and 
   a processing system including a first module configured to receive information characterizing physical properties of the user, a second module configured to receive signals from the set of electromyography sensors, and a third module configured to calibrate the set of electromyography signals based upon the physical properties of the user.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the set of electromyography sensors is substantially waterproof 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the set of electromyography sensors is configured to sense bio-potential signal differences representative of activity of a set of muscles of the user. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the set of electromyography sensors is configured to abut a portion of a body of the user corresponding to the set of muscles when the user wears the garment. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the fabric includes at least one of an alignment mark and a designed structure operative to aid the user in correct placement of the set of electromyography sensors relative to the set of muscles when the user dons the garment. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the controller comprises: an equipment detector including a first wireless communication link configured to wirelessly communicate with a communication device of an exercise apparatus with which the user is interacting during muscle activation. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the garment is at least partially stretchable. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the garment comprises at least one of nylon, spandex, and synthetic fiber. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein calibrating the set of electromyography signals comprises calibrating at least one of the set of electromyography sensors. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the physical properties of the user comprise one or more of: the user's body mass index, the user's percent body fat, the user's weight, the user's physical fitness, the user's height, the user's training goal, and the user's desired workout. 
     
     
         11 . An apparatus for monitoring physical activity of a user, comprising:
 a controller;   a garment configured to be worn on a portion of a body of the user, the garment including:
 a set of electrode bases, 
 a set of electromyography sensors, each electromyography sensor coupled to one of the set of electrode bases, a fabric of the garment configured to cause each of the set of electromyography sensors to forcibly abut a skin of the user when the user wears the garment, each of the set of electromyography sensors configured to acquire bio-potential signals indicative of muscle activation, and 
 a set of conductive leads, each conductive lead coupled with an electrode base and configured to couple to the controller; and 
 a processing system including a first module configured to receive information characterizing historical data associated with the user, a second module configured to receive signals from the set of electromyography sensors, and a third module configured to calibrate the set of electromyography signals based upon the historical data associated with the user. 
   
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the set of electromyography sensors is substantially waterproof 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the set of electromyography sensors is configured to sense bio-potential signal differences representative of activity of a set of muscles of the user. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the set of electromyography sensors is configured to abut a portion of a body of the user corresponding to the set of muscles when the user wears the garment. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the fabric includes at least one of an alignment mark and a designed structure operative to aid the user in correct placement of the set of electromyography sensors relative to the set of muscles when the user dons the garment. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the controller comprises: an equipment detector including a first wireless communication link configured to wirelessly communicate with a communication device of an exercise apparatus with which the user is interacting during muscle activation. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the garment is at least partially stretchable. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the garment comprises at least one of nylon, spandex, and synthetic fiber. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein calibrating the set of electromyography signals comprises calibrating at least one of the set of electromyography sensors. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the historical data associated with the user comprises one or more of: the user's overall exercise history, the user's exercise history for a particular muscle or muscle group, the user's exercise history for a particular exercise, and the user's previous training goals.