Apple patent filing involves a method to better track exercise performance

Apple has filed for a patent (number 20180133573) for an “integrated media jukebox and physiologic data handling application.” Though it sounds like it involves music (and it does, pertaining to workout playlists), it also involves methods for tracking exercise performance with interaction between an Apple Watch and a Mac or iPad.

The patent filing mentions a foot-mounted unit that includes a sensor for sensing motion of the foot of a user. It would be configured to provide motion information wirelessly to your Apple Watch.

The smartwatch would include a display for displaying information to the user based upon data accumulated by the foot-mounted unit and transmitted wirelessly to the Apple Watch. 

In addition, the smartwatch could be coupled to a computer and/or a network server via a network. The user can operate software running on the computer and or the server to analyze received data and/or to select operating parameters for the wrist-mounted unit and/or the foot-mounted unit.

Apple says the method includes processing signals provided from the iOS device to the Mac that are indicative of whether an accessory has been connected to the former and determine whether the accessory has been connected to the portable media player. Based on a determination that the accessory has been connected to the portable media player, physiologic data of a user that was provided to the portable media player from a wireless physiologic data gathering device, is received from the portable media player, into the computer, via the accessory.

Of course, Apple files for — and is granted — lots of patents by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. Many are for inventions that never see the light of day. However, you never can tell which ones will materialize in a real product.

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