EE/CPE-322

Smart Gym: Homework 6

Alex Gurski
Russell Nadler
Ed Watt

Report Summary

Section 1:

For the function-means write up, the group worked together to determine the critical functions and means for the system. Once this was determined, the group split up to perform individual roles. Alex Gurski was tasked to begin development on a personal site for the project, to gauge interest and host files. Ed Watt was in charge of producing the various figures to depict the function-means of the system. Russell Nadler worked closely with Ed Watt, as his role was to write up the explanation of the functions, and explain the various means.

Alex Gurski / Russell Nadler / Ed Watt
Percentage of Effort / 33.33% / 33.33% / 33.33%

Section 2:

Blackbox and Transparent Box Diagram

From the blackbox and transparent box diagrams, the functionality of our product can be accessed and further developed. The user device would be responsible for performing various calculations, as well as basic tasks such as data acquisition and storage. From interacting with machines, the user would be able to record his or her progress, as well as have the insight of what machines are currently in use. By inputting their own personal data, the system would be able to output personal metrics as well as specific workout metrics. The user has multiple methods in which this process can take place, with the end goal being to provide a better fitness experience and more awareness.

Function-Means Tree Diagrams

Figure 3: Initial Gym Access

Explanation of Figure 3:

Initially, as the user enters the athletic facility, there needs to be a validity check to determine whether or not the user should be granted access to the gym. Presently, in most gyms, there is a human attendant at a desk station, monitoring the entrance. Members would enter the gym, hand the attendant an identification card, and the user would be then granted access. The computer service used to check in the member would then indicate that the user came to the gym that day in order to record gym visits for insurance purposes. For this method, each user is required to have their identification card or membership number manually entered into a system by an attendant.

Another implemented method for some gyms is to give members direct access cards. Rather than have an attendant, the user would be allowed automatic entry based solely on their access card. The ID would have to link up with the system to validate the user, and then automatically unlock the gym to allow the user to enter. This system eliminates the attendants, but makes it difficult to ensure that the correct member is using his or her own identification card, rather than sharing or borrowing a card from another individual.

The smart-gym method would have user-identification linked to an individual’s mobile device rather than an access card. When the user enters the gym, he or she would simply hold the mobile device to a wireless receiving system, and his or her ID would be validated through the system. This wireless handoff would also populate the mobile device or application with information regarding the gym, such as contact information, hours of operation, and fitness-class schedules. Metrics for the gym owners could still be collected automatically, as the gym owner would be able to determine staffing based on peak fitness times for the user.

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Figure 4: Generate Workout Log

Explanation of Figure 4:

Once a user has been validated and enters the athletic facility, he or she may then begin their fitness regimen. The key functionality of the product is the method in which fitness data is collected and outputted to the user. This functionality is a two-part method: first the desired information must be recorded and accurately collected. Next, once the data is collected, in must be stored and analyzed in a fashion that is appropriate to the user – not all users may want the same output metrics depending on his or her personal goals. The easiest and most archaic method of recording a fitness routine is simply by recording it with pen or pencil. It allows the user to have an accurate collection of information; however, the user is directly responsible with recording all workout routines, sets, reps, etc. By using a sensing system, the data collection becomes automatic. Although a user would still be required to use the system, the likelihood of error dramatically is reduced. The sensing system would convert the physical input of the workout machine to an electrical signal – this is a sensor in the simplest form. Once the data is aggregated, it must then be processed. A device, such as a microprocessor, would then be responsible for converting those electrical energy inputs into data that could then be used to build a workout-log. As the data is prepared, it must then be somehow transferred to the user for permanent storage. This task could be accomplished via a hard, wired connection to the user’s device, or by a short-range wireless connection. Unlike pen and pencil, a sensor system would require a power source (such as a wall outlet or battery) in order to be fully operational.

After the data is successfully transferred to the user, the onus is once again on the user to store and analyze the information collected. With the pen or pencil method, the user writes his or her information down on paper. If the paper is in a notebook, then the user has a method to store the data he or she collected without additional input. A consequence of paper is that it is tangible, and could easily be compromised without any notice. With virtualization, the data is an intangible that can be stored in many different ways. A method of digitalizing the data often involves the usage of an application once the data is stored. With the paper and pen method, a user would be required to input his data in a log or workout tracking service in order to have an intangible reference to the data. Another input method of the data involves directly entering the data into a fitness tracking application, commonly available in multiple formats, including web-based, mobile-application-based, and desktop-based.

Figure 5: Provide and Analyze Workout Data

Explanation of Figure 5:

When the user decides to recall the data he or she entered, it must be in a formatted form that’s easy to understand and easy to navigate through. With application based data-logs, this task is an easy one, as it allows for a user to customize the values that he or she prioritizes. The data output would be solely in a display format, but the user would be able to recall data when needed. A graphical data output is also a potential method for data analysis. For a graphical output, a user would need to clarify the axis, as well as the data points required. However, rather than looking at solely raw data, a user would be able to see progress over time. This end goal is similar to a calendar output, in which the user gains the ability to filter out data based on time. With a calendar, it becomes easy to track what days of the week your regimen was performed, as well as gaining the ability to schedule future routines. In addition to solely the user looking at his or her progress, the workout data could also be shared with social media. By sharing the data with friends, a user may be more motivated to continue with his or her routine and reach their goal.

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