US20190118038A1 - Method and system for managing a training of users on a plurality of exercise machines - Google Patents
Method and system for managing a training of users on a plurality of exercise machines Download PDFInfo
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- US20190118038A1 US20190118038A1 US16/169,604 US201816169604A US2019118038A1 US 20190118038 A1 US20190118038 A1 US 20190118038A1 US 201816169604 A US201816169604 A US 201816169604A US 2019118038 A1 US2019118038 A1 US 2019118038A1
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Definitions
- the present invention relates to the field of fitness and in particular to a method and system for managing a training of users on a plurality of exercise machines.
- training class i.e. training of multiple users each on an exercise machine of a plurality of exercise machines of the same type (e.g. treadmills) arranged inside the same location (gym or club) is very widespread.
- a training class is managed and coordinated by a coach or trainer who, in addition to motivating and encouraging users during the training, imparts indications to the user of when and how to change one or more parameters of the specific type of exercise machine, so they can follow and respect a specific training program previously chosen by the trainer for that training class.
- the trainer instructs the users to periodically vary the rotation speed and/or the gradient of the treadmill.
- each user modifies the speed and/or the gradient of the treadmill by means of the appropriate control console with which the treadmill is provided.
- each user has a reaction time regretfully different from that of another person, and so a given instruction may not be imparted to all treadmills at the same time or may not be imparted correctly once it has been received by the user.
- the training class is not always coordinated and synchronized with respect to the training program previously prepared by the trainer for the training class.
- a system configured to execute the aforesaid method is a further object of the present invention.
- FIG. 1 shows, by means of a block chart, a system for managing a training of users on a plurality of exercise machines according to an embodiment of the present invention
- FIGS. 2 and 3 show, by means of a block chart, a component of the system in FIG. 1 , respectively, according to an embodiment of the present invention
- FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 schematically illustrate respective screens shown by components of the system in FIG. 1 during their operation
- FIG. 7 shows, by means of a block chart, a method for managing a training of users on a plurality of exercise machines according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- a system 100 for managing a training of users on a plurality of exercise machines hereinafter also referred to as training system or simply system, according to an embodiment of the present invention, will now be described with reference to FIG. 1 .
- the system 100 comprises a control unit 101 of a training of users on a plurality of exercise machines.
- control unit 101 comprises a data processing module 102 , e.g. a microcontroller or a microprocessor.
- the control unit 101 further comprises a memory module 103 , operatively connected to the data processing module 102 .
- the memory module 103 may be either internal or external (as shown in the FIG. 1 , for example) to the data processing module 102 .
- the memory module 103 is configured to store one or more program codes which can be executed by the data processing module 102 and data generated and processed following the execution of said one or more program codes.
- the data processing module 102 is configured to execute a method for managing the training of users on a plurality of exercise machines according to the present invention, as will be described below.
- control unit 101 also comprises a control interface 104 , operatively connected to the data processing module 102 , configured to allow a trainer user or personal trainer to interact with the control unit 101 .
- control interface 104 may be of the touchscreen type.
- control interface 104 may be a mechanical keyboard.
- the control unit 101 further comprises a display module 105 , operatively connected to the data processing module 102 .
- the display module 105 can be used by the trainer user during the interaction with the control unit 101 .
- the display module 105 is separate from the control interface 104 .
- the display module 105 coincides with the control interface 104 .
- control unit 101 also comprises a data communication module 106 , operatively connected to the data processing module 102 , configured to allow the control unit 101 to transmit and receive data.
- control unit 101 The functions of the control unit 101 , in particular for managing the method for managing a training of users on a plurality of exercise machines, will be described below.
- the system 100 comprises a plurality of exercise machines 500 operatively connected to the control unit 101 by means of a data communication network NTW, i.e. a data communication network of the LAN type or a data communication network with Wi-Fi technology present in a gym or a club.
- a data communication network NTW i.e. a data communication network of the LAN type or a data communication network with Wi-Fi technology present in a gym or a club.
- the plurality of exercise machines 500 are distributed in the same location, such as for example a gym or a club, so that they can be used by the users to perform a so-called training class under the supervision of a coach or trainer user suitable for using use the control unit 101 .
- “exercise machine” means any exercise apparatus which can be used in a training class, such as, for example, a treadmill, a bike, a cyclette, a rower, a spinning machine, a muscle development machine and so on.
- the plurality of machines 500 and the control unit 101 are configured to communicate with one another by means of the communication network data NTW, following an initial configuration in which the control unit 101 and the plurality of exercise machines 500 are associated with the set training class.
- each exercise machine of the plurality of exercise machines 500 is configured to store a network address, e.g. an IP address, of the control unit 101 .
- each exercise machine belonging to the plurality of exercise machines 500 is also indicated by the reference numeral 200 in FIG. 1 .
- the exercise machine 200 comprises a respective data processing unit 201 .
- the exercise machine 200 further comprises a memory unit 202 , operatively connected to the data processing unit 201 .
- the memory unit 202 can be either internal or external (as shown in the FIG. 1 , for example) to the data processing unit 201 .
- the memory unit 202 is configured to store one or more program codes which can be executed by the data processing unit 201 and data generated and processed following the execution of one or more program codes.
- the data processing unit 201 can be configured to control the operation of the exercise machine 200 during the execution of the method for managing the training of users on a plurality of exercise machines according to the present invention, as will be described below.
- controlling the operation of an exercise machine means sending of at least one control instruction to the exercise machine during its operation.
- Control instruction of the exercise machine during its operation means either the instructions sent by the control unit 101 upon command of the trainer user, e.g. a stop command, a pause command, a restart command, an end of training command, and instructions sent automatically by the control unit, e.g. such as a synchronization command, a command to vary one or more parameters of the exercise machine which can be controlled during its operation, such as, for example, the rotation speed in a treadmill, the resistance in a bike or cyclette, the gradient or inclination, e.g. in a treadmill, the level of difficulty, e.g. in a treadmill, in a bike or cyclette or in a muscular strengthening machine and so on.
- the exercise machine 200 further comprises a respective control interface 203 , operatively connected to the data processing unit 201 , configured to allow a user to interact with the exercise machine.
- control interface 203 may be of the touchscreen type.
- control interface 203 may be a mechanical keyboard.
- the exercise machine 200 further comprises a respective display unit 204 operatively connected to the data processing unit 201 .
- the display unit 204 can be used by a user, who is training in the training class, during the interaction with the exercise machine 200 .
- the display unit 204 is separate from the control interface 203 .
- control interface 203 is of the touchscreen type
- the display unit 204 coincides with the control interface 203 .
- the exercise machine 200 further comprises a data communication unit 205 , operatively connected to the data processing unit 201 .
- the data communication unit 205 of the exercise machine 200 is configured to allow the connection to the control unit 101 by means of the communication network data NTW.
- the exercise machine 200 is connected to the control unit 101 by means of the communication network data NTW using a data connection in wireless mode.
- the exercise machine 200 is connected to the control unit 101 by means of the communication network data NTW using a wired data connection.
- the data communication module 106 of the control unit 101 and the data communication unit 205 of the exercise machine 200 implement a respective technology suitable for correct data communication.
- both the data communication module 106 of the control unit 101 and the data communication unit 205 of the exercise machine 200 are also configured to transmit and receive data to and from any other communication networks, if present.
- the exercise machine 200 comprises an actuation device 206 , e.g. an electromechanical linear actuator, operatively connected to the data processing unit 201 .
- an actuation device 206 e.g. an electromechanical linear actuator
- the actuation device 206 of the exercise machine 200 is configured to receive a command from the data processing unit 201 to vary a first parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled during its operation.
- the actuation device 206 of the exercise machine 200 may receive a command to vary the gradient of the treadmill.
- the command to vary the gradient of the treadmill, either increasing or decreasing it, by the data processing unit 201 causes a lifting or lowering of the front portion of the running surface of the treadmill by means of a endless screw-helical wheel kinematic system, respectively.
- the exercise machine 200 comprises an electric motor 207 is operatively connected to the data processing unit 201 .
- the electric motor 207 of the exercise machine 200 is configured to receive from the data processing unit 201 a command to vary a second parameter of the exercise machine 200 which can be controlled during its operation.
- the electric motor 207 can receive a command to vary the rotation speed of the electric motor 207 in order to either reduce or increase the speed of the treadmill.
- the system 100 further comprises a remote electronic processor 300 (cloud) operatively connected to the data communication network NTW, e.g. by means of the Internet.
- a remote electronic processor 300 (cloud) operatively connected to the data communication network NTW, e.g. by means of the Internet.
- control unit 101 and the plurality of exercise machines 500 are operatively connected to one another by means of the communication network data NTW and with the remote electronic processor 300 by means of the Internet.
- the remote electronic processor 300 comprises a respective data processing unit 301 and a respective a memory unit 302 operatively connected to the data processing unit 301 .
- the memory unit 302 of the remote electronic processor 300 is configured to store data representative of a training performed on the plurality of exercise machines 500 by users who created their own account on the remote electronic processor 300 .
- the memory unit 302 of the remote electronic processor 300 is configured to store a library comprising training programs which can be performed on the plurality of exercise machines 500 .
- the memory unit 302 of the remote electronic processor 300 is a remote database.
- the communication data e.g. by means of the Internet network
- the control unit 101 and the plurality of exercise machines 500 with the remote electronic processor 300 also envisages the use of appropriate data transmission security protocols.
- system 100 may be free from the remote electronic processor 300 .
- control unit 101 the functions of the control unit 101 .
- the control unit 101 and thus the data processing module 102 , is configured to load in the respective memory module 103 a training program to be performed for the users of a plurality of exercise machines 500 (training class), chosen by the trainer user from multiple training programs.
- a training program to be performed for the users of a plurality of exercise machines 500 (training class), chosen by the trainer user from multiple training programs.
- control unit 101 is configured to receive one or more previously stored training programs from the respective memory module 103 .
- control unit 101 is configured to receive one or more training programs from an electronic device of the trainer user (e.g. a personal computer, a laptop, a tablet, a smartphone).
- an electronic device of the trainer user e.g. a personal computer, a laptop, a tablet, a smartphone.
- the training programs were previously created by the trainer user on the electronic device of the trainer user by means of a specific software application (app).
- control unit 101 is configured to receive one or more training programs from the remote electronic processor 300 , if provided, or other remote database of the gym or club.
- training program means a set of instructions comprising the subdivision into successive intervals of time (steps) (e.g. equal to 3 or 4 minutes), either regular or irregular, if the overall training time (e.g. 25, 30, 40 minutes and so forth) and the allocation for each interval of time into which the total training time is divided by a value of one or more parameters of the exercise machine which can be controlled during its operation.
- adjacent time intervals into which the total training time is divided will preferably have different values of said one or more parameters of the exercise machine which can be controlled during its operation.
- the set of instructions which are representative of the training program for each interval of time into which the total training time is divided may comprise a value of a first parameter of the exercise machine 200 which can be controlled during its operation.
- the first parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled during its operation is the gradient (expressed as a percentage) of the treadmill.
- the first parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled during its operation is the rotation speed of the treadmill.
- the set of instructions which are representative of the training program for each interval of time into which the total training time is divided may further comprise a value of a second parameter of the exercise machine 200 which can be controlled during its operation.
- the exercise machine 200 is a treadmill and the first parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled during its operation is the gradient of the treadmill, the second parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled during its operation is the rotation speed of the treadmill.
- the exercise machine 200 is a treadmill and the first parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled during its operation is the rotation speed of the treadmill, the second parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled during its operation is the gradient of the treadmill.
- control unit 101 is configured to show a start of training command to the trainer user, e.g. on the touchscreen type display module 105 (control interface 104 ).
- control unit 101 After pressing such start of training command, the control unit 101 is configured to send, by means of the communication network data NTW, a start of training command to the plurality of exercise machines 500 of the training class.
- the sending of the start of training command by the control unit 101 allows to unlock the plurality of exercise machines 500 which, until the start of training command was received, are locked and ready to be used only in the training class with which they were associated.
- control unit 101 is configured to send to the plurality of exercise machines 500 , by means of the communication network data NTW, at least one control instruction of the operation of each exercise machine of the plurality of exercise machines 500 .
- control unit 101 is configured to send to the plurality of exercise machines 500 such control instruction of the operation in an exercise machine in response to the reception of a respective request and training data of the user on the exercise machine 200 recorded by the exercise machine 200 , received periodically (e.g., once a second) from the exercise machine 200 during its operation.
- Training data means at least one of or a combination of:
- the exercise machine 200 is configured to periodically send (e.g. once a second) a request to receive a control instruction of the operation of the exercise machine 200 and training data of the user on the exercise machine 200 .
- control unit 101 in response to the reception of such request, sends to the exercise machine 200 at least one control instruction of the operation of the exercise machine, the exercise machine 200 will modify its operation as a function of the received instruction.
- control unit 101 in response to the reception of such request, does not send any control instructions of the operation of the exercise machine to the exercise machine 200 , the exercise machine 200 will continue its operation as a function of the received instruction.
- control instructions of the operation of the exercise machine 200 that the control unit 101 may send to the plurality of exercise machines 500 can be executed automatically by the exercise machine 200 as a function of a respective command of the user trainer imparted to the control unit 101 .
- the at least one control instruction of the operation of the exercise machine 200 may be a stop command, a pause command, a command to restart the exercise machine 200 .
- control instructions of the operation of the exercise machine 200 that the control unit 101 may send to the plurality of exercise machines 500 may be executed automatically by an exercise machine 200 , if the control instruction of the operation of the exercise machine 200 is the variation of a parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled during its operation (e.g. if the exercise machine is a treadmill, the variation of the gradient and/or of the rotation speed of the treadmill).
- the at least one control instruction of the operation of the exercise machine 200 is a stop command of the exercise machine 200
- the exercise machine 200 is a treadmill
- the electric motor 207 is controlled so as to stop the treadmill with a set deceleration ramp and the actuating device 206 is controlled so as to take the gradient of the treadmill to a zero value.
- the at least one control instruction of the operation of the exercise machine 200 is a pause command of the exercise machine 200
- the exercise machine 200 is a treadmill
- the electric motor 207 is controlled so as to stop the treadmill with a set deceleration ramp and the actuating device 206 is controlled so that the gradient of the treadmill remains unchanged in the interval of time of the training program in which the stop command of the exercise machine 200 was received.
- the at least one control instruction of the operation of the exercise machine 200 is a stop command of the exercise machine 200
- the exercise machine 200 is a treadmill
- the electric motor 207 is controlled so as to be restarted at a given speed (e.g. a set value equal to 9 km/h) with a set acceleration ramp.
- the at least one control instruction of the operation of the exercise machine 200 is an end of training command because the training time has ended or following a manual command by the trainer user
- the exercise machine 200 is a treadmill
- the electric motor 207 is controlled so as to stop the treadmill with an established deceleration ramp and the actuating device 206 is controlled so as to take the gradient of the treadmill to a null value.
- the control unit 101 can momentarily stop the plurality of exercise machines 500 so as to be able to alternate training on the exercise machine 200 , according to the loaded training program (e.g. running on a treadmill), with floor training off the exercise machine (e.g. leaps, sit-ups, push-ups).
- the loaded training program e.g. running on a treadmill
- floor training off the exercise machine e.g. leaps, sit-ups, push-ups.
- control unit 101 is configured to provide a piece of information representative of a start of training time (zero time) to the plurality of exercise machines 500 , by means of the communication network data NTW.
- the control unit 101 is further configured to provide to the plurality of exercise machines 500 , by means of the communication network data NTW, preferably at regular time intervals, a piece of information representative of the progressive advancement of the training time so that the synchronization of the training program loaded by the control unit 101 is guaranteed across the plurality of exercise machines 500 .
- control unit 101 is configured to provide, by means of the data communication network NTW, a piece of information representative of the total time of the training program.
- control unit 101 is configured to send the training program to the plurality of exercise machines 500 , by means of the communication network data NTW.
- control unit 101 is configured to receive training data of the user on the exercise machine 200 from the plurality of exercise machines 500 , by means of the communication network data NTW, and to store the data in the memory module 103 , while performing the training program.
- the control unit 101 is also configured to display to the trainer user, by means of the respective display module 105 with which the control unit 101 is provided, a list of users participating in the training program with which training data of the user on the exercise machine 200 are associated, for each user, and an indication representative of whether a user can follow the training program loaded on the control unit 101 by the trainer user or not.
- FIG. 4 An example of such display is shown in FIG. 4 .
- the control unit 101 suggests to the trainer user a first screen UP representative of the performance of the users during the execution of the training program.
- the first screen UP comprises a plurality of lines PR each reserved for identification data of a user.
- Each user is identified by a progressive number (a number from 01 to 12 in the figure), by a respective real name RN 1 -RN 12 and by a respective nickname NK 1 -NK 12 .
- the first screen UP further comprises a plurality of columns PC in which a first portion PC 1 is reserved for data representative of the exercise machine GR, SP (for example, in the case of a treadmill, gradient GR expressed as a percentage and rotation speed SP), while a second portion PC 2 is reserved for data representative of the physical condition of the user H, % H (e.g. heart rate and heat rate expressed as a percentage with respect to a set threshold value, as for example the maximum theoretical heart rate, i.e. the mathematical difference between a set value equal to 220 and a value corresponding to the user's age).
- SP for example, in the case of a treadmill, gradient GR expressed as a percentage and rotation speed SP
- % H e.g. heart rate and heat rate expressed as a percentage with respect to a set threshold value, as for example the maximum theoretical heart rate, i.e. the mathematical difference between a set value equal to 220 and a value corresponding to the user's age.
- the control unit 101 is configured to show that user to the trainer user by moving the respective line in the plurality of lines PR, each reserved for identification data of a user, to the first place of said plurality of lines PR, possibly adding the graphic symbol SG alongside the progressive number 01 , of the respective real name RN 1 and of the respective nickname NK 1 .
- the data processing module 102 is configured to:
- the control unit 101 is also configured to display to the trainer user, by means of the respective display module 105 with which with the control unit 101 is provided, a training profile representing the training program in progress on the plurality of exercise machines 500 .
- FIG. 5 An example of such display is shown in FIG. 5 .
- control unit 101 suggests to the trainer user a second screen PR representative of a profile of a training program in progress on the plurality of exercise machines 500 .
- the second screen PR comprises a chart in the middle having the time t on the abscissa and a first parameter PM 1 of the exercise machine 200 which can be controlled during its operation, in the respective unit of measurement, on the ordinate, e.g. if the exercise machine is a treadmill, the gradient or inclination of the treadmill.
- a vertical bar indicated by reference tc, representative of the current instant of time at which the users are during the performance of the training program on the respective exercise machine 200 .
- the vertical bar is located between two successive instants of time t 1 and t 2 .
- first piece of information CMD 1 representative a first suggestion to provide to the user in the current instant of time tc (e.g. “keep up the pace”)
- second piece of information CMD 2 representative of a second suggestion to provide to the user starting from the instant of time in which the value of the first parameter PM 1 will be changed (in the example in FIG. 5 , this variation will occur in the instant of time t 2 ).
- control instructions of the operation of the exercise machine are provided by the control unit 101 , both those imparted in response to a command by the trainer user (stop, pause, restart, end of training) and those imparted automatically by the control unit (synchronization, automatic end of training command), and those imparted as function of the training program profile (variation of parameters of the exercise machine which can be controlled during operation).
- control instructions of the operation of the exercise machine 200 imparted by the control unit 101 as a function of the profile of the training program can be automatically executed directly by the exercise machines.
- control unit 101 is also configured to send to the plurality of exercise machines 500 , by means of the communication network data NTW, an end of training command, in the moment in which the total time of the training program end (automatic end of training command) or in the moment in which the trainer user imparts an end of training command on the control unit 101 (manual end of training command).
- control unit 101 After sending the end of training command, at the end of the training, the control unit 101 is configured to store a summary of the training class in the respective memory module 103 .
- summary of the training class means a combination of overall information, such as, for example, start of training time, end of training time and so on.
- control unit 101 is configured to send a summary of the training class to a remote database of the gym or club, e.g. by means of the Internet.
- control unit 101 is configured to send the summary of the training class to the remote electronic processor 300 , e.g. by means of the Internet, in order to store it inside of the memory unit 302 of the remote electronic processor 300 in the trainer user's account.
- the exercise machine 200 is configured to receive the start of training command from the control unit 101 by means of the communication network data NTW.
- the exercise machine 200 until the start of training command is received, is locked and ready to be only used in the training class with which was associated.
- the exercise machine 200 is configured to begin the training upon reception of the start of training command.
- the exercise machine 200 is configured to receive at least one control instruction of the operation of each exercise machine 200 from the control unit 101 by means of the communication network data NTW, during operation of the plurality of exercise machines 500 .
- the exercise machine 200 in order to receive at least one control operation instruction, is configured to periodically send (e.g. once a second) to the control unit 101 a respective request to receive a control instruction of the operation and training data of the user on the exercise machine 200 recorded by the exercise machine during its operation.
- the training data was defined above.
- control instructions of the operation of the exercise machine received from the control unit 101 may be executed automatically by the exercise machine 200 , if the control instruction of the operation of the exercise machine 200 is the variation of a parameter of the exercise machine 200 which can be controlled during its operation (e.g. if the exercise machine 200 is a treadmill, the variation of the gradient and/or of the rotation speed of the treadmill).
- the exercise machine 200 is advantageously configured to provide to the user, by means of the respective display unit 204 , a piece of information representative of one or more preferred values (or one or more ranges of preferred values) of a second parameter of the exercise machine 200 which can be controlled during its operation, determined on the basis of the value of the first parameter of the exercise machine 200 which can be controlled during its operation.
- the exercise machine 200 is a treadmill and the first parameter of the exercise machine 200 which can be controlled during its operation is the gradient of the treadmill
- the exercise machine 200 is configured to control the gradient of the treadmill by means of the actuation device 206 and to advantageously provide to the user, by means of the respective display unit 204 , a piece of information representative of one or more preferred values (or one or more ranges of preferred values) of the rotation speed of the treadmill (as the second parameter of the exercise machine 200 which can be controlled during its operation), determined on the basis of the gradient value of the treadmill.
- control instructions of the operation of the exercise machine received from the control unit 101 may be executed automatically by the exercise machine as a function of a respective command of the user trainer imparted to the control unit 101 .
- the exercise machine 200 is further configured to receive from the control unit 101 , by means of the communication network data NTW, a piece of information representative of the training time during the performance of the training program.
- the exercise machine 200 is configured to send to the control unit 101 , by means of the communication network data NTW, during the performance of the training program, data representative of the operation of the exercise machine, for example:
- the exercise machine 200 is configured to receive the training program from the control unit 101 by means of the communication network data NTW.
- the exercise machine 200 is configured to automatically modify the first parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled during operation (e.g., the gradient or inclination of the treadmill if the exercise machine is a treadmill) as a function of the training program received from the control unit 101 in a synchronized manner with the other exercise machines 200 of the plurality of exercise machines 500 .
- the first parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled during operation (e.g., the gradient or inclination of the treadmill if the exercise machine is a treadmill) as a function of the training program received from the control unit 101 in a synchronized manner with the other exercise machines 200 of the plurality of exercise machines 500 .
- the exercise machine 200 is configured to modify, at any time during the performance of the training program, following a manual command received from the user by means of the control interface 203 with which the exercise machine 200 is provided, the value of the first parameter of the exercise machine 200 which can be controlled during operation (e.g. the gradient or inclination of the treadmill, if the exercise machine 200 is a treadmill) if the user is unable to keep up the value of the first parameter of the exercise machine 200 which can be controlled during operation, set automatically according to the training program.
- the value of the first parameter of the exercise machine 200 which can be controlled during operation e.g. the gradient or inclination of the treadmill, if the exercise machine 200 is a treadmill
- the exercise machine 200 is configured to modify, at any time during the performance of the training program, following a manual command received from the user by means of the control interface 203 with which the exercise machine 200 is provided, the value of the second parameter of the exercise machine 200 which can be controlled during operation (e.g., the rotation speed of the treadmill, if the exercise machine 200 is a treadmill) if the user is unable to keep up the value of the second parameter of the exercise machine 200 which can be controlled during operation, set automatically according to the training program.
- the value of the second parameter of the exercise machine 200 which can be controlled during operation e.g., the rotation speed of the treadmill, if the exercise machine 200 is a treadmill
- the exercise machine 200 is configured to align the value of the first parameter of the exercise machine 200 which can be controlled during operation and/or the value of the second parameter of the exercise machine 200 which can be controlled during operation varied manually by the user to the respective values of the profile of the training program selected by the trainer user.
- the exercise machine 200 is configured to show to the user, by means of the display unit 204 with which the exercise machine 200 is provided, a profile of the first parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled during operation provided for in the loaded training program with an instantaneous indication of a current point the user is at as time elapses.
- the exercise machine 200 is configured to show to the user, by means of the display unit 204 with which the exercise machine 200 is provided, a piece of information representative of one or more preferred values (or one or more ranges of preferred values) of the second parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled during the operation of the exercise machine (in the case of a treadmill, the second parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled during operation is, for example, the rotation speed of the treadmill) determined on the basis of the value of the first parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled 200 during operation of the machine.
- FIG. 6 An example of such display is shown in FIG. 6 .
- the display unit 204 of the exercise machine 200 suggests a third screen S 1 to the user representative of the training data of the user during the execution of the training program.
- the third screen S 1 shows to the user the current value GR-C of the first parameter GR of the machine which can be controlled during the operation of the exercise machine (in the case of a treadmill, the gradient or inclination) and the current value SP-C of the second parameter SP of the exercise machine operation which can be controlled during the operation of the exercise machine (in the case of a treadmill, the rotation speed).
- the third screen S 1 comprises a chart in the middle having the time t on the abscissa and a first parameter PM 1 of the exercise machine which can be controlled during its operation, in the respective unit of measurement, on the ordinate, e.g. if the exercise machine is a treadmill, the gradient or inclination of the treadmill.
- a first parameter PM 1 of the exercise machine which can be controlled during its operation, in the respective unit of measurement, on the ordinate, e.g. if the exercise machine is a treadmill, the gradient or inclination of the treadmill.
- Such graph is entirely similar to that described with reference to FIG. 5 .
- the third screen S 1 shows icons to the user representative of first commands C 1 to manually vary the first parameter GR of the exercise machine which can be controlled during the operation of the exercise machine and representative of second commands C 2 to manually vary the second parameter SP of the exercise machine which can be controlled during the operation of the exercise machine.
- the third screen S 1 shows to the user a plurality of current values PV of data representative of the user's physical condition during the training.
- the third screen S 1 comprises a first arrow F 1 to go to a specific screen representative of the first parameter GR of the exercise machine which can be controlled during the operation of the exercise machine and a second arrow F 2 to go to a specific screen of the second parameter SP of the exercise machine which can be controlled during the operation of the exercise machine.
- the third screen S 1 further comprises a piece of information PS representative of one or more preferred values (or one or more ranges of preferred values) of the second parameter SP of the exercise machine 200 which can be controlled during the operation of the exercise machine 200 determined on the basis of the value of the first parameter GR of exercise machine 200 which can be controlled during the operation of the exercise machine 200 .
- the third screen S 1 comprises information representative of the training program in the successive time interval, i.e.:
- the exercise machine 200 is also configured to receive from the control unit 101 , by means of the communication network data NTW, an end of training command, in the moment in which the total time of the training program ends or in the moment in which the trainer user imparts an end of training command on the control unit 101 .
- the exercise machine 200 is configured to send to the remote electronic processor 300 , e.g. by means of the Internet, the results of the training performed by the user on the exercise machine 200 , in order to store it inside the memory unit 302 of the remote electronic processor 300 in the account of the user (if the user has previously been authenticated on the exercise machine).
- a method 400 for managing a training of users on a plurality of exercise machines, hereinafter also managing method or simply method, according to an embodiment of the present invention, will now described also with reference to FIG. 7 .
- the method 400 comprises a symbolic step of starting ST.
- the system 400 comprises a step of providing 401 a control unit 101 of a training of users on a plurality of exercise machines.
- the control unit 101 can be accessed by a trainer user responsible for managing the training class on a plurality of exercise machines.
- control unit 101 has been described above and is not here described for the sake of brevity of description.
- the method 400 further comprises a step of providing 402 a plurality of exercise machines 500 operatively connected to the control unit 101 by means of a data communication network NTW.
- the plurality of exercise machines 500 are distributed in the same location so that they can be used by users for performing a training class under the guidance and/or supervision of the trainer user employing the control unit 101 .
- the plurality of exercise machines 500 was described above and is not here described for the sake of brevity of description.
- the plurality of exercise machines 500 are locked and ready to be only used in the training class while waiting to receive a start of training command from the control unit 101 , as will be described below.
- the method 400 further comprises a step of loading 403 , by the control unit 101 , in a respective memory module 103 of the control unit 101 , a training program to be performed for the users of the training class chosen by the trainer user from various training programs.
- the step of loading 403 comprises a step of receiving 403 a, by the control unit 101 , training programs stored in the respective memory module 103 .
- the step of loading 403 comprises a step of receiving 403 b, by means of the control unit 101 , one or more training programs from an electronic device of the trainer user.
- the one or more training programs are created by the trainer user on the electronic device of the trainer user by means of a specific software application (APP).
- APP software application
- the step of loading 403 comprises a step of receiving 403 c, by means of the control unit 101 , training programs from a remote electronic processor 300 (if provided), e.g. by means of the Internet or other remote database of the gym or club, by means of the communication network data NTW.
- the method 400 further comprises sending 404 , by the control unit 101 , by means of the data communication network NTW, a start of training command to the plurality of exercise machines 500 .
- the step of sending 404 comprises a step of showing 404 ′ to the trainer user, by the control unit 101 , e.g. on a display module 105 with which with the control unit 101 is provided, a start of training command.
- the method 400 comprises a step of starting 405 , by the plurality of exercise machines 500 , the training following the reception of the start of training command.
- the method 400 further comprises a step of sending 406 to the plurality of exercise machines 500 , by the control unit 101 , by means of the data communication network NTW, at least one control instruction of the operation of each exercise machine 200 of the plurality of exercise machines 500 .
- the step of sending 406 is performed by the control unit 101 , in following a manual command of the trainer user.
- the step of sending 406 is performed by the control unit 101 , to provide at least one instruction for controlling the operation of each exercise machine to the plurality of exercise machines 500 , such as a stop command, a pause command, a restart command, an end of training command, a synchronization command.
- the step of sending 406 is performed, by the control unit 101 , as a function of a profile of the training program selected by the trainer user.
- this step of sending 406 is performed, by the control unit 101 , to provide to the plurality of exercise machines 500 a control instruction of the operation of each exercise machine, such as the variation of a parameter of the exercise machine 200 which can be controlled during operation.
- step of sending 406 the at least one control instruction of the operation of an exercise machine
- the step of sending 406 is performed, by the control unit 101 , in response to the reception of a respective request to receive a control instruction of the operation of an exercise machine 200 and training data of each user on the respective exercise machine 200 , recorded by the exercise machine 200 during its operation, sent periodically (for e.g. once a second) by each exercise machine 200 of the plurality of exercise machines 500 .
- the training data were defined above.
- the method 400 comprises the step of controlling 407 the operation of each exercise machine 200 , by each exercise machine 200 of the plurality of exercise machines 500 , on the basis of the at least one control instruction of the operation of each exercise machine 200 received from the control unit 101 .
- step of controlling 407 is performed by each exercise machine 200 of the plurality of exercise machines 500 , if the control unit 101 , according to the training program loaded in response to this request, sends to the exercise machine a control instruction of the operation of the exercise machine.
- the method 400 comprises a step of sending 408 , by the control unit 101 , the training program chosen by the trainer user to the plurality of exercise machines 500 , by means of the data communication network NTW.
- the step of controlling 407 comprises a step of performing 409 by each exercise machine 200 of the plurality of exercise machines 500 , the training program received from the control unit 101 .
- the at least one control instruction of the operation of each exercise machine 200 such as the variation of a parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled during operation is executed independently by each exercise machine 200 .
- the exercise machine 200 of the plurality of exercise machines 500 is a treadmill
- said exercise machine parameter which can be controlled during the operation being the gradient of the treadmill
- the step of controlling 407 being performed by controlling an actuation device 206 with which each exercise machine 200 is provided configured to receive a treadmill gradient variation command from a respective data processing unit 201 .
- the step of sending 406 is performed, by the control unit 101 , to provide at least one instruction for controlling the operation of each exercise machine to the plurality of exercise machines 500 , such as a stop command, a pause command, a restart command, an end of training command, a synchronization command.
- the method 400 further comprises a step of providing, by the control unit 101 , a piece of information representative of the training time during the performance of the training program to the plurality of exercise machines 500 , by means of the data communication network NTW.
- the method 400 further comprises a step of sending 410 to the plurality of exercise machines 500 , by the control unit 101 , via the communication network data NTW, an end of training command.
- end of training command can be sent in the moment in which a total training time of the training program ends or when the trainer user imparts an end of training command on the control unit 101 .
- the method 400 further comprises a step of ending 411 , by the plurality of exercise machines 500 , the training following the reception of the end of training command.
- the method 400 ends with a symbolic step of ending ED.
- the method 400 further comprises a step of showing to the trainer user, by the control unit 101 , by means of the respective display module 105 with which the control unit is provided 101 , a list of the users participating in the training program, wherein, the user identification data and an indication representing whether a user can follow a profile of a first parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled during operation or not, according to the loaded training program, are associated with each user.
- step of showing comprises the steps of:
- the method 400 comprises a step of providing a remote electronic processor 300 (cloud) operatively connected to the control unit 101 and the plurality of exercise machines 500 .
- the remote electronic processor 300 was described above and is not repeated here for the sake of brevity of description.
- the method 400 comprises a step of storing, by the control unit 101 , in the respective memory module 103 , a summary of the training class.
- summary of the training class means a combination of overall information, such as, for example, start of training time, end of training time and so forth.
- the method 400 comprises a step of sending, by the control unit 101 , to a remote database of gym or club, e.g. by means of the Internet, the summary of the training class.
- the method 400 comprises a step of sending, by the control unit 101 , to the remote electronic processor 300 , e.g. by means of the Internet, the summary of the training class in order to store it inside of the memory unit 302 of the remote electronic processor 300 in the account of the trainer user.
- the method 400 comprises a step of sending, by each exercise machine 200 of the plurality of exercise machines 500 , to the remote electronic processor 300 , e.g. by means of the Internet, the results of the training performed by the user on the exercise machine 200 , in order to store it inside the memory unit 302 of the remote electronic processor 300 in the account of the user (if the user has previously been authenticated on the exercise machine).
- the method 400 comprises a step of receiving, by each exercise machine 200 of the plurality of exercise machines 500 , from the control unit 101 by means of the communication network data NTW, the training program selected by the trainer user.
- the method 400 comprises a step of receiving, by each exercise machine 200 of the plurality of exercise machines 500 , from the control unit 101 , by means of the communication network data NTW, a start of training command.
- the method 400 comprises a step of receiving, by each exercise machine 200 of the plurality of exercise machines 500 , from the control unit 101 , by means of the communication network data NTW, a piece of information representative of the training time during the performance of the training program.
- the method 400 comprises a step of sending, by each exercise machine 200 of the plurality of exercise machines 500 , to the control unit 101 , by means of the data communication network NTW, during the performance of the training program, a request of control instructions of the operation of the exercise machine and training data of the user on the exercise machine, such as at least either one or a combination of:
- the method 400 comprises a step of manually modifying, at any moment during the performance of the training program, following a command received from the user via a control interface 203 with which an exercise machine 200 of the plurality of exercise machines 500 is provided, the value of the first parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled during operation (e.g. the gradient of inclination of the treadmill if the exercise machine is a treadmill) or of a second parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled during operation (e.g.
- the rotation speed of the treadmill if the exercise machine is a treadmill) if the user cannot keep the value of the first parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled during operation or the value of the second parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled during operation, set automatically during the training program chosen by the trainer user.
- the method 400 includes a step of showing to the user, by the respective exercise machine 200 , by means of the display unit 204 with which the exercise machine 200 is provided, a profile of the first parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled during its operation and/or the profile of the second parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled during its operation, provided in the training program loaded with an instantaneous indication of a current point the user is at as time elapses.
- the method 400 comprises a step of providing the user, by the respective exercise machine 200 by means of a display unit 204 with which the exercise machine 200 is provided, with a piece of information representative of one or more preferred values (or one or more intervals of preferred values) of the second parameter of the exercise machine 200 which can be controlled during its operation, determined on the basis of the value of the first parameter of the exercise machine 200 which can be controlled during its operation.
- the method 400 comprises a step of receiving, by each exercise machine 200 of the plurality of exercise machines 500 , from the control unit 101 , by means of the communication network data NTW, an end of training command, in the moment in which the total training time program ends or when the trainer user imparts an end of training command on the control unit 101 .
- the plurality of exercise machines 500 comprises treadmills.
- the user trainer loads on the control unit 101 a training program chosen from the training programs previously stored in the memory module 103 of the control unit 101 .
- the trainer user sends, by means of the control unit 101 and the data communication network NTW, the loaded training program to the plurality of exercise machines 500 belonging to the training class, previously associated with the control unit 101 by storing the IP address of the control unit 101 on each exercise machine 200 of the plurality of exercise machines 500 .
- control unit 101 shows the start of training command to the trainer user, by means of the display module 104 .
- the trainer user actuates the start of training command on the control unit 101 .
- the control unit 101 sends the start of training command to the plurality of exercise machines 500 , by means of the communication network data NTW.
- the plurality of exercise machines 500 starts the training.
- the training of the users in the training class begins on all treadmills which, until the start of training command was received, were locked and ready to run the training class.
- Each exercise machine 200 periodically sends (e.g. once a second) to the control unit 101 by means of the communication network data NTW, a request for control instructions of the operation of the treadmill and training data of the respective user on the exercise machine 200 , recorded by the exercise machine 200 during its operation.
- control unit 101 sends at least one control instruction of the operation of each exercise machine to the plurality of exercise machines 500 .
- Each exercise machine 200 of the plurality of exercise machines 500 controls the respective operation on the basis of the at least one control instruction of the operation of each exercise machine 200 received from the control unit 101 .
- each exercise machine 200 of the plurality of exercise machines 500 can vary, on the basis of at least one received control instruction of the operation, the first parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled during operation, for example the gradient or gradient of the treadmill.
- the control unit 101 shows to the trainer user, by means of a respective display module 105 with which the control unit 101 is provided, a list of the users participating in the training program, in which, the user identification data and an indication representing whether a user can follow a profile of a first parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled during operation or not, according to the loaded training program, are associated with each user.
- a user may manually modify, at any time, by means of the control interface 203 with which the exercise machine 200 is provided, the value of the first parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled during operation (e.g. the gradient or inclination of the treadmill if the exercise machine is a treadmill), if the user is unable to keep up the value of the first parameter of the exercise machine 200 which can be controlled during operation, set automatically according to the training program.
- the value of the first parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled during operation e.g. the gradient or inclination of the treadmill if the exercise machine is a treadmill
- the first parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled during operation varied manually by the user will be aligned with the respective value of the profile of the training program selected by the trainer user.
- the users of the training class can run on treadmills for a first period of time, e.g. 5 minutes at a rotation speed of the treadmill of 8-10 km/h (which can be managed manually by the user on the exercise machine) with a gradient of the treadmill of 2% (managed automatically by the exercise machine as a function of the profile of the training program selected by the trainer user).
- a first period of time e.g. 5 minutes at a rotation speed of the treadmill of 8-10 km/h (which can be managed manually by the user on the exercise machine) with a gradient of the treadmill of 2% (managed automatically by the exercise machine as a function of the profile of the training program selected by the trainer user).
- the trainer user sends a pause command, by means of the control unit 101 , to the plurality of exercise machines 500 .
- each exercise machine 200 controls the respective electric motor to decelerate the treadmill to take it to a zero-rotation speed following a set deceleration ramp.
- the gradient of each treadmill instead remains that of the profile of the training program chosen by the trainer user assigned in the instant in time in which the pause command is imparted.
- Users step off their respective treadmill and stand next to it to perform floor exercises as instructed by the trainer user, e.g. push-ups for a prescribed time interval (e.g., 30 seconds).
- a prescribed time interval e.g. 30 seconds
- the users then step back onto their respective treadmill.
- the trainer user sends a restart command, by means of the control unit 101 , to the plurality of exercise machines 500 .
- each exercise machine 200 controls the respective electric motor to accelerate the treadmill to take it to a set rotation speed (e.g. the one at which was before the previous deceleration ramp) following a set acceleration ramp.
- the gradient of each treadmill instead remains that of the profile of the training program chosen by the trainer user assigned in the instant in time in which the pause command is imparted.
- the trainer user imparts an end of training command on the control unit 101 .
- the control unit 101 sends, by means of the data communication network NTW, an end of training command to the plurality of exercise machines 500 .
- the training program of the users in the training class ends.
- control unit 101 stores a summary of the training class in a respective memory module 103 .
- the control unit 101 sends a summary of the training class to a remote database of the gym or club, e.g. by means of the Internet.
- the control unit 101 also sends the summary of the training class to the remote electronic processor 300 (where provided), e.g. by means of the Internet, in order to store it inside the memory unit 302 of the remote electronic processor 300 in the trainer user's account.
- Each exercise machine 200 of the plurality of exercise machines 500 sends the user's training results on the exercise machine 200 to the remote electronic processor 300 , if provided, in order to store the training results in the memory unit 302 of the remote electronic processor 300 in the user's account (if the latter was previously authenticated on the exercise machine).
- the automatic loading, on both the control unit and on the plurality of exercise machines, of the same training program advantageously allows the synchronized performance of the training program in which, for example, instructions for controlling the operation of an exercise machine, such as stop, pause, restart, end of training commands, or variation of a first parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled during the operation of the exercise machine (gradient of a treadmill) or a second parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled during operation (rotation speed of a treadmill) are performed in automatic and synchronized manner across all exercise machines employed by users of the class.
- instructions for controlling the operation of an exercise machine such as stop, pause, restart, end of training commands, or variation of a first parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled during the operation of the exercise machine (gradient of a treadmill) or a second parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled during operation (rotation speed of a treadmill) are performed in automatic and synchronized manner across all exercise machines employed by users of the class.
- the method and system for managing a training of users on exercise machines allows to avoid as much as possible problems to the users during the user's training, such as accidents or excessive fatigue.
- the method and system for managing a training for users on a plurality of exercise machines advantageously allows to reduce as much as possible the manual adjustments of the respective exercise machine by the user during the training class, whereby increasing the level of accuracy, synchronization and coordination of the entire training class.
- the trainer user to perform a training program which provides moments of use of the exercise machine and moments of exercises on the floor without using the exercise machine in manner as coordinated as possible.
- the user can resort to controlling the exercise machine in order to be able to recover physical energy and catch his or her breath and subsequently, when the exercise machine is aligned back to the loaded training program, successfully continue the training program followed by the class.
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Abstract
Description
- This application claims benefit of Serial No. 102017000121366, filed 25 Oct. 2017 in Italy and which application is incorporated herein by reference. To the extent appropriate, a claim of priority is made to the above disclosed application.
- The present invention relates to the field of fitness and in particular to a method and system for managing a training of users on a plurality of exercise machines.
- Nowadays, the concept of training class, i.e. training of multiple users each on an exercise machine of a plurality of exercise machines of the same type (e.g. treadmills) arranged inside the same location (gym or club) is very widespread.
- A training class is managed and coordinated by a coach or trainer who, in addition to motivating and encouraging users during the training, imparts indications to the user of when and how to change one or more parameters of the specific type of exercise machine, so they can follow and respect a specific training program previously chosen by the trainer for that training class.
- For example, if treadmills are used in the training class, the trainer instructs the users to periodically vary the rotation speed and/or the gradient of the treadmill.
- When instructed by the trainer, each user modifies the speed and/or the gradient of the treadmill by means of the appropriate control console with which the treadmill is provided.
- Such training method is not free from faults.
- Indeed, since the trainers instructions are imparted by voice, some users may not hear the instruction at all if they are concentrated in the physical effort or because of the music or in general because of the background noise present inside the gym or club or may understand a different meaning.
- Furthermore, each user has a reaction time regretfully different from that of another person, and so a given instruction may not be imparted to all treadmills at the same time or may not be imparted correctly once it has been received by the user.
- So, the training class is not always coordinated and synchronized with respect to the training program previously prepared by the trainer for the training class.
- Furthermore, this obviously implies an evident disadvantage for users who may find themselves in situations of breathlessness due to excessive effort with the risk of physical problems, falling from the treadmill and so forth.
- Additionally, even the trainers, if they fail to notice that one or more users are struggling on their respective treadmills, would not be able to manage the issue in a timely manner on each treadmill because they would inevitably need to go from one treadmill to the other to go to correct the incorrect commands introduced by users.
- It is the object of the present invention to devise and provide a method and system for managing a training for users on a plurality of exercise machines which allows to solve at least partially the drawbacks illustrated above with reference to the prior art, which is as reliable and safe for users and the trainer as possible.
- A system configured to execute the aforesaid method is a further object of the present invention.
- Further features and advantages of the method and system according to the invention will be apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments, given by way of indicative, non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
-
FIG. 1 shows, by means of a block chart, a system for managing a training of users on a plurality of exercise machines according to an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIGS. 2 and 3 show, by means of a block chart, a component of the system inFIG. 1 , respectively, according to an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 schematically illustrate respective screens shown by components of the system inFIG. 1 during their operation, and -
FIG. 7 shows, by means of a block chart, a method for managing a training of users on a plurality of exercise machines according to an embodiment of the present invention. - A
system 100 for managing a training of users on a plurality of exercise machines, hereinafter also referred to as training system or simply system, according to an embodiment of the present invention, will now be described with reference toFIG. 1 . - It is worth noting that equivalent or similar elements are indicated by the same numerical and/or alphanumerical reference in the aforesaid figures.
- The
system 100 comprises acontrol unit 101 of a training of users on a plurality of exercise machines. - In greater detail, with reference to also
FIG. 2 , thecontrol unit 101 comprises adata processing module 102, e.g. a microcontroller or a microprocessor. - The
control unit 101 further comprises amemory module 103, operatively connected to thedata processing module 102. - The
memory module 103 may be either internal or external (as shown in theFIG. 1 , for example) to thedata processing module 102. - It is worth noting that the
memory module 103 is configured to store one or more program codes which can be executed by thedata processing module 102 and data generated and processed following the execution of said one or more program codes. - The
data processing module 102 is configured to execute a method for managing the training of users on a plurality of exercise machines according to the present invention, as will be described below. - In this regard, the
control unit 101 also comprises acontrol interface 104, operatively connected to thedata processing module 102, configured to allow a trainer user or personal trainer to interact with thecontrol unit 101. - In an embodiment, the
control interface 104 may be of the touchscreen type. - In an embodiment alternative to the previous one, the
control interface 104 may be a mechanical keyboard. - The
control unit 101 further comprises adisplay module 105, operatively connected to thedata processing module 102. - The
display module 105 can be used by the trainer user during the interaction with thecontrol unit 101. - In an embodiment, the
display module 105 is separate from thecontrol interface 104. - In an embodiment, in which the
control interface 104 is of the touchscreen type, thedisplay module 105 coincides with thecontrol interface 104. - Turning back to the embodiment in
FIG. 2 , thecontrol unit 101 also comprises adata communication module 106, operatively connected to thedata processing module 102, configured to allow thecontrol unit 101 to transmit and receive data. - The functions of the
control unit 101, in particular for managing the method for managing a training of users on a plurality of exercise machines, will be described below. - Tuning back in general to
FIG. 1 , thesystem 100 comprises a plurality ofexercise machines 500 operatively connected to thecontrol unit 101 by means of a data communication network NTW, i.e. a data communication network of the LAN type or a data communication network with Wi-Fi technology present in a gym or a club. - The plurality of
exercise machines 500 are distributed in the same location, such as for example a gym or a club, so that they can be used by the users to perform a so-called training class under the supervision of a coach or trainer user suitable for using use thecontrol unit 101. - For the purposes of the present invention, “exercise machine” means any exercise apparatus which can be used in a training class, such as, for example, a treadmill, a bike, a cyclette, a rower, a spinning machine, a muscle development machine and so on.
- First of all, it is worth noting that the plurality of
machines 500 and thecontrol unit 101 are configured to communicate with one another by means of the communication network data NTW, following an initial configuration in which thecontrol unit 101 and the plurality ofexercise machines 500 are associated with the set training class. - In this regard, in greater detail, each exercise machine of the plurality of
exercise machines 500 is configured to store a network address, e.g. an IP address, of thecontrol unit 101. - Hereinafter, with particular reference also to
FIG. 3 , anexercise machine 200 belonging to the plurality ofexercise machines 500 will be described. - It is worth noting that each exercise machine belonging to the plurality of
exercise machines 500 is also indicated by thereference numeral 200 inFIG. 1 . - The following description applies to any
exercise machine 200 of the plurality ofexercise machines 500 shown inFIG. 1 . - With reference to
FIG. 3 , theexercise machine 200 comprises a respectivedata processing unit 201. - The
exercise machine 200 further comprises amemory unit 202, operatively connected to thedata processing unit 201. - The
memory unit 202 can be either internal or external (as shown in theFIG. 1 , for example) to thedata processing unit 201. - It is worth noting that the
memory unit 202 is configured to store one or more program codes which can be executed by thedata processing unit 201 and data generated and processed following the execution of one or more program codes. - The
data processing unit 201 can be configured to control the operation of theexercise machine 200 during the execution of the method for managing the training of users on a plurality of exercise machines according to the present invention, as will be described below. - It is worth noting that the functions of the
exercise machine 200, in particular for implementing the method for managing a training of users on a plurality ofexercise machines 500, will be described below. - In this respect, for the purposes of the present invention, it is worth noting that “controlling the operation of an exercise machine” means sending of at least one control instruction to the exercise machine during its operation.
- “Control instruction of the exercise machine during its operation” means either the instructions sent by the
control unit 101 upon command of the trainer user, e.g. a stop command, a pause command, a restart command, an end of training command, and instructions sent automatically by the control unit, e.g. such as a synchronization command, a command to vary one or more parameters of the exercise machine which can be controlled during its operation, such as, for example, the rotation speed in a treadmill, the resistance in a bike or cyclette, the gradient or inclination, e.g. in a treadmill, the level of difficulty, e.g. in a treadmill, in a bike or cyclette or in a muscular strengthening machine and so on. - Turning back to
FIG. 3 , theexercise machine 200 further comprises arespective control interface 203, operatively connected to thedata processing unit 201, configured to allow a user to interact with the exercise machine. - In an embodiment, the
control interface 203 may be of the touchscreen type. - In an embodiment alternative to the previous one, the
control interface 203 may be a mechanical keyboard. - The
exercise machine 200 further comprises arespective display unit 204 operatively connected to thedata processing unit 201. - The
display unit 204 can be used by a user, who is training in the training class, during the interaction with theexercise machine 200. - In an embodiment, the
display unit 204 is separate from thecontrol interface 203. - In an embodiment, in which the
control interface 203 is of the touchscreen type, thedisplay unit 204 coincides with thecontrol interface 203. - The
exercise machine 200 further comprises adata communication unit 205, operatively connected to thedata processing unit 201. - The
data communication unit 205 of theexercise machine 200 is configured to allow the connection to thecontrol unit 101 by means of the communication network data NTW. - In an embodiment, the
exercise machine 200 is connected to thecontrol unit 101 by means of the communication network data NTW using a data connection in wireless mode. - In a further embodiment, alternative to the previous one, the
exercise machine 200 is connected to thecontrol unit 101 by means of the communication network data NTW using a wired data connection. - According to the connection mode (wired or wireless), the
data communication module 106 of thecontrol unit 101 and thedata communication unit 205 of theexercise machine 200 implement a respective technology suitable for correct data communication. - In this respect, it is worth noting that adequate data transmission security protocols are employed in the data communication data, by means of the communication network data NTW, between the
control unit 101 and theexercise machine 200. - Furthermore, it is worth noting that both the
data communication module 106 of thecontrol unit 101 and thedata communication unit 205 of theexercise machine 200 are also configured to transmit and receive data to and from any other communication networks, if present. - According to an embodiment, shown in
FIG. 3 , in combination with any of the previous ones, theexercise machine 200 comprises anactuation device 206, e.g. an electromechanical linear actuator, operatively connected to thedata processing unit 201. - The
actuation device 206 of theexercise machine 200 is configured to receive a command from thedata processing unit 201 to vary a first parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled during its operation. - The
actuation device 206 of theexercise machine 200, if the latter is a treadmill, may receive a command to vary the gradient of the treadmill. - For example, if the
actuation device 206 of the exercise machine is an electromechanical linear actuator, the command to vary the gradient of the treadmill, either increasing or decreasing it, by thedata processing unit 201, causes a lifting or lowering of the front portion of the running surface of the treadmill by means of a endless screw-helical wheel kinematic system, respectively. - According to an embodiment, shown in
FIG. 3 , in combination with any previous one, theexercise machine 200 comprises anelectric motor 207 is operatively connected to thedata processing unit 201. - The
electric motor 207 of theexercise machine 200 is configured to receive from the data processing unit 201 a command to vary a second parameter of theexercise machine 200 which can be controlled during its operation. - For example, if the
exercise machines 200 is a treadmill, theelectric motor 207 can receive a command to vary the rotation speed of theelectric motor 207 in order to either reduce or increase the speed of the treadmill. - Turning back to
FIG. 1 , in an embodiment, in combination with any one of those described above and shown inFIG. 1 by a dashed line, thesystem 100 further comprises a remote electronic processor 300 (cloud) operatively connected to the data communication network NTW, e.g. by means of the Internet. - In particular, in such case, the
control unit 101 and the plurality ofexercise machines 500 are operatively connected to one another by means of the communication network data NTW and with the remoteelectronic processor 300 by means of the Internet. - The remote
electronic processor 300 comprises a respectivedata processing unit 301 and a respective amemory unit 302 operatively connected to thedata processing unit 301. - The
memory unit 302 of the remoteelectronic processor 300 is configured to store data representative of a training performed on the plurality ofexercise machines 500 by users who created their own account on the remoteelectronic processor 300. - Furthermore, the
memory unit 302 of the remoteelectronic processor 300 is configured to store a library comprising training programs which can be performed on the plurality ofexercise machines 500. - In other words, the
memory unit 302 of the remoteelectronic processor 300 is a remote database. - It is worth noting that the communication data, e.g. by means of the Internet network, between the
control unit 101 and the plurality ofexercise machines 500 with the remoteelectronic processor 300 also envisages the use of appropriate data transmission security protocols. - In a further embodiment, alternative to the previous one, not shown in the figures, the
system 100 may be free from the remoteelectronic processor 300. - Turning back now in general to the
system 100 inFIG. 1 and to the component ofFIG. 2 , we will describe the functions of thecontrol unit 101. - The
control unit 101, and thus thedata processing module 102, is configured to load in the respective memory module 103 a training program to be performed for the users of a plurality of exercise machines 500 (training class), chosen by the trainer user from multiple training programs. - In this regard, in an embodiment, the
control unit 101 is configured to receive one or more previously stored training programs from therespective memory module 103. - In an alternative embodiment, the
control unit 101 is configured to receive one or more training programs from an electronic device of the trainer user (e.g. a personal computer, a laptop, a tablet, a smartphone). - In this case, the training programs were previously created by the trainer user on the electronic device of the trainer user by means of a specific software application (app).
- In a further embodiment, the
control unit 101 is configured to receive one or more training programs from the remoteelectronic processor 300, if provided, or other remote database of the gym or club. - It is worth noting that for the purposes of the present description “training program” means a set of instructions comprising the subdivision into successive intervals of time (steps) (e.g. equal to 3 or 4 minutes), either regular or irregular, if the overall training time (e.g. 25, 30, 40 minutes and so forth) and the allocation for each interval of time into which the total training time is divided by a value of one or more parameters of the exercise machine which can be controlled during its operation.
- It is worth noting that adjacent time intervals into which the total training time is divided will preferably have different values of said one or more parameters of the exercise machine which can be controlled during its operation.
- In an embodiment, the set of instructions which are representative of the training program for each interval of time into which the total training time is divided may comprise a value of a first parameter of the
exercise machine 200 which can be controlled during its operation. - In an embodiment, if the
exercise machine 200 is a treadmill, the first parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled during its operation is the gradient (expressed as a percentage) of the treadmill. - In an embodiment, alternative to the previous one, if the
exercise machine 200 is a treadmill, the first parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled during its operation is the rotation speed of the treadmill. - In a further embodiment, in combination with the previous ones, the set of instructions which are representative of the training program for each interval of time into which the total training time is divided may further comprise a value of a second parameter of the
exercise machine 200 which can be controlled during its operation. - In an embodiment, if the
exercise machine 200 is a treadmill and the first parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled during its operation is the gradient of the treadmill, the second parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled during its operation is the rotation speed of the treadmill. - In a further embodiment, alternative to the previous one, if the
exercise machine 200 is a treadmill and the first parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled during its operation is the rotation speed of the treadmill, the second parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled during its operation is the gradient of the treadmill. - In an embodiment, in combination with any one of the previous ones, the
control unit 101 is configured to show a start of training command to the trainer user, e.g. on the touchscreen type display module 105 (control interface 104). - After pressing such start of training command, the
control unit 101 is configured to send, by means of the communication network data NTW, a start of training command to the plurality ofexercise machines 500 of the training class. - It is worth noting that the sending of the start of training command by the
control unit 101 allows to unlock the plurality ofexercise machines 500 which, until the start of training command was received, are locked and ready to be used only in the training class with which they were associated. - In an embodiment, in combination with the previous one, the
control unit 101 is configured to send to the plurality ofexercise machines 500, by means of the communication network data NTW, at least one control instruction of the operation of each exercise machine of the plurality ofexercise machines 500. - Examples of control instructions of the operation of each exercise machine were shown above.
- In greater detail, in an embodiment, the
control unit 101 is configured to send to the plurality ofexercise machines 500 such control instruction of the operation in an exercise machine in response to the reception of a respective request and training data of the user on theexercise machine 200 recorded by theexercise machine 200, received periodically (e.g., once a second) from theexercise machine 200 during its operation. - “Training data” means at least one of or a combination of:
-
- data representative of the user's physical condition (e.g. heart rate, step rate, stride power, calories burned and so on);
- identification data of the user (e.g. the real name or a nickname);
- data representative of the exercise machine (e.g. if the exercise machine is a treadmill, the rotation speed, the gradient and so on).
- By way of example, during its operation, the
exercise machine 200 is configured to periodically send (e.g. once a second) a request to receive a control instruction of the operation of theexercise machine 200 and training data of the user on theexercise machine 200. - If the
control unit 101, according to the loaded training program, in response to the reception of such request, sends to theexercise machine 200 at least one control instruction of the operation of the exercise machine, theexercise machine 200 will modify its operation as a function of the received instruction. - On the other hand, if the
control unit 101, according to the loaded training program, in response to the reception of such request, does not send any control instructions of the operation of the exercise machine to theexercise machine 200, theexercise machine 200 will continue its operation as a function of the received instruction. - It is worth noting that the control instructions of the operation of the
exercise machine 200 that thecontrol unit 101 may send to the plurality ofexercise machines 500 can be executed automatically by theexercise machine 200 as a function of a respective command of the user trainer imparted to thecontrol unit 101. - In this case, the at least one control instruction of the operation of the
exercise machine 200 may be a stop command, a pause command, a command to restart theexercise machine 200. - Furthermore, the control instructions of the operation of the
exercise machine 200 that thecontrol unit 101 may send to the plurality ofexercise machines 500 may be executed automatically by anexercise machine 200, if the control instruction of the operation of theexercise machine 200 is the variation of a parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled during its operation (e.g. if the exercise machine is a treadmill, the variation of the gradient and/or of the rotation speed of the treadmill). - If the at least one control instruction of the operation of the
exercise machine 200 is a stop command of theexercise machine 200, if theexercise machine 200 is a treadmill, theelectric motor 207 is controlled so as to stop the treadmill with a set deceleration ramp and theactuating device 206 is controlled so as to take the gradient of the treadmill to a zero value. - If the at least one control instruction of the operation of the
exercise machine 200 is a pause command of theexercise machine 200, if theexercise machine 200 is a treadmill, theelectric motor 207 is controlled so as to stop the treadmill with a set deceleration ramp and theactuating device 206 is controlled so that the gradient of the treadmill remains unchanged in the interval of time of the training program in which the stop command of theexercise machine 200 was received. - If the at least one control instruction of the operation of the
exercise machine 200 is a stop command of theexercise machine 200, if theexercise machine 200 is a treadmill, theelectric motor 207 is controlled so as to be restarted at a given speed (e.g. a set value equal to 9 km/h) with a set acceleration ramp. - If the at least one control instruction of the operation of the
exercise machine 200 is an end of training command because the training time has ended or following a manual command by the trainer user, if theexercise machine 200 is a treadmill, theelectric motor 207 is controlled so as to stop the treadmill with an established deceleration ramp and theactuating device 206 is controlled so as to take the gradient of the treadmill to a null value. - It is worth noting that if the at least one control instruction of the operation of the
exercise machine 200 is a pause command of theexercise machine 200, thecontrol unit 101 can momentarily stop the plurality ofexercise machines 500 so as to be able to alternate training on theexercise machine 200, according to the loaded training program (e.g. running on a treadmill), with floor training off the exercise machine (e.g. leaps, sit-ups, push-ups). - In an embodiment, the
control unit 101 is configured to provide a piece of information representative of a start of training time (zero time) to the plurality ofexercise machines 500, by means of the communication network data NTW. - The
control unit 101 is further configured to provide to the plurality ofexercise machines 500, by means of the communication network data NTW, preferably at regular time intervals, a piece of information representative of the progressive advancement of the training time so that the synchronization of the training program loaded by thecontrol unit 101 is guaranteed across the plurality ofexercise machines 500. - Furthermore, in an embodiment, the
control unit 101 is configured to provide, by means of the data communication network NTW, a piece of information representative of the total time of the training program. - In an embodiment, either in combination with or alternatively to the previous ones, once the training program selected by the trainer user for the training class is loaded, before sending the start of training command to the plurality of
exercise machines 500 of the training class by means of the communication network data NTW, thecontrol unit 101 is configured to send the training program to the plurality ofexercise machines 500, by means of the communication network data NTW. - In an embodiment, as previously mentioned, the
control unit 101 is configured to receive training data of the user on theexercise machine 200 from the plurality ofexercise machines 500, by means of the communication network data NTW, and to store the data in thememory module 103, while performing the training program. - The
control unit 101 is also configured to display to the trainer user, by means of therespective display module 105 with which thecontrol unit 101 is provided, a list of users participating in the training program with which training data of the user on theexercise machine 200 are associated, for each user, and an indication representative of whether a user can follow the training program loaded on thecontrol unit 101 by the trainer user or not. - An example of such display is shown in
FIG. 4 . - The
control unit 101 suggests to the trainer user a first screen UP representative of the performance of the users during the execution of the training program. - The first screen UP comprises a plurality of lines PR each reserved for identification data of a user.
- Each user is identified by a progressive number (a number from 01 to 12 in the figure), by a respective real name RN1-RN12 and by a respective nickname NK1-NK12.
- The first screen UP further comprises a plurality of columns PC in which a first portion PC1 is reserved for data representative of the exercise machine GR, SP (for example, in the case of a treadmill, gradient GR expressed as a percentage and rotation speed SP), while a second portion PC2 is reserved for data representative of the physical condition of the user H, % H (e.g. heart rate and heat rate expressed as a percentage with respect to a set threshold value, as for example the maximum theoretical heart rate, i.e. the mathematical difference between a set value equal to 220 and a value corresponding to the user's age).
- It is worth noting that in
FIG. 4 , the indication representative of whether a user can follow the training program loaded on thecontrol unit 101 by the trainer user or not materializes in the display of a graphic symbol, indicated in the figure by reference SG, positioned by the side of the progressive number with identifies the user's line. - In particular, if a user, failing to follow the training program loaded on the control unit 101 (and possibly sent to each exercise machine 200), for example, changes the value of the gradient of the treadmill by manually lowering the value with respect to the gradient value automatically controlled by the
data processing unit 201 of theexercise machine 200 in the respective interval of time, thecontrol unit 101 is configured to show that user to the trainer user by moving the respective line in the plurality of lines PR, each reserved for identification data of a user, to the first place of said plurality of lines PR, possibly adding the graphic symbol SG alongside theprogressive number 01, of the respective real name RN1 and of the respective nickname NK1. - In greater detail, in order to perform the aforesaid movement of a line in the plurality of lines PR, the
data processing module 102 is configured to: -
- receive a value of said first parameter of the
exercise machine 200 which can be controlled during its operation (e.g. the gradient of a treadmill), during the training of a user on theexercise machine 200; - compare such received value with the value of said first parameter of the
exercise machine 200 which can be controlled during its operation envisaged by the training program in order to determine a deviation; - if such deviation is different from zero, to move the line inside the plurality of lines PR corresponding to such user to the first place of the plurality of lines PR, adding a graphic symbol SG by the side of the
progressive number 01, the respective real name RN1 and the respective nickname NK1 of such user.
- receive a value of said first parameter of the
- The
control unit 101 is also configured to display to the trainer user, by means of therespective display module 105 with which with thecontrol unit 101 is provided, a training profile representing the training program in progress on the plurality ofexercise machines 500. - An example of such display is shown in
FIG. 5 . - Alternatively to the first screen UP, the
control unit 101 suggests to the trainer user a second screen PR representative of a profile of a training program in progress on the plurality ofexercise machines 500. - It is worth noting that the switch between the first screen UP and the second screen PR is possible by selecting the respective symbol (UP or PR) as shown at the top left in
FIG. 4 and inFIG. 5 . - The second screen PR comprises a chart in the middle having the time t on the abscissa and a first parameter PM1 of the
exercise machine 200 which can be controlled during its operation, in the respective unit of measurement, on the ordinate, e.g. if the exercise machine is a treadmill, the gradient or inclination of the treadmill. - Along the abscissa are the initial time t0 and successive instants of time t1-t5 at which the first parameter PM1 of the
exercise machine 200 which can be controlled during its operation assumes different values. - Also along the abscissa are a vertical bar, indicated by reference tc, representative of the current instant of time at which the users are during the performance of the training program on the
respective exercise machine 200. - The vertical bar is located between two successive instants of time t1 and t2.
- On the second screen, in addition to the name of the profile of the training program N-PR, there is a first piece of information CMD1 representative a first suggestion to provide to the user in the current instant of time tc (e.g. “keep up the pace”) and a second piece of information CMD2 representative of a second suggestion to provide to the user starting from the instant of time in which the value of the first parameter PM1 will be changed (in the example in
FIG. 5 , this variation will occur in the instant of time t2). - Turning back in general to the system according to the present invention, it is worth noting that the control instructions of the operation of the exercise machine, in an embodiment, are provided by the
control unit 101, both those imparted in response to a command by the trainer user (stop, pause, restart, end of training) and those imparted automatically by the control unit (synchronization, automatic end of training command), and those imparted as function of the training program profile (variation of parameters of the exercise machine which can be controlled during operation). - It is worth noting that this occurs regardless of whether the exercise machines have received the training program loaded by the trainer user by the
control unit 101 or not. - According to a further embodiment, alternative to the previous one, the control instructions of the operation of the
exercise machine 200 imparted by thecontrol unit 101 as a function of the profile of the training program (variation of parameters of theexercise machine 200 which can be controlled during operation) can be automatically executed directly by the exercise machines. - This is possible if the plurality of
exercise machines 500 have received the training program selected by the trainer user by thecontrol unit 101 and are able to run it autonomously. - As mentioned above, the
control unit 101 is also configured to send to the plurality ofexercise machines 500, by means of the communication network data NTW, an end of training command, in the moment in which the total time of the training program end (automatic end of training command) or in the moment in which the trainer user imparts an end of training command on the control unit 101 (manual end of training command). - After sending the end of training command, at the end of the training, the
control unit 101 is configured to store a summary of the training class in therespective memory module 103. - It is worth noting that “summary of the training class” means a combination of overall information, such as, for example, start of training time, end of training time and so on.
- In an embodiment, in combination with the previous one, the
control unit 101 is configured to send a summary of the training class to a remote database of the gym or club, e.g. by means of the Internet. - In an embodiment, either alternative to or in combination with the previous one, the
control unit 101 is configured to send the summary of the training class to the remoteelectronic processor 300, e.g. by means of the Internet, in order to store it inside of thememory unit 302 of the remoteelectronic processor 300 in the trainer user's account. - Turning back in general to the
system 100, we will now describe some features of anexercise machine 200 of the plurality ofexercise machines 500. - The
exercise machine 200 is configured to receive the start of training command from thecontrol unit 101 by means of the communication network data NTW. - As mentioned above, it is worth noting that the
exercise machine 200, until the start of training command is received, is locked and ready to be only used in the training class with which was associated. - The
exercise machine 200 is configured to begin the training upon reception of the start of training command. - In an embodiment, in combination with the previous one, the
exercise machine 200 is configured to receive at least one control instruction of the operation of eachexercise machine 200 from thecontrol unit 101 by means of the communication network data NTW, during operation of the plurality ofexercise machines 500. - Examples of control instructions of the operation of each exercise machine were shown above.
- In an embodiment, in order to receive at least one control operation instruction, the
exercise machine 200 is configured to periodically send (e.g. once a second) to the control unit 101 a respective request to receive a control instruction of the operation and training data of the user on theexercise machine 200 recorded by the exercise machine during its operation. - The training data was defined above.
- It is worth repeating that the control instructions of the operation of the exercise machine received from the
control unit 101 may be executed automatically by theexercise machine 200, if the control instruction of the operation of theexercise machine 200 is the variation of a parameter of theexercise machine 200 which can be controlled during its operation (e.g. if theexercise machine 200 is a treadmill, the variation of the gradient and/or of the rotation speed of the treadmill). - It is worth noting that in an embodiment, in which automatic execution of the variation of a first parameter of the
exercise machine 200 which can be controlled during its operation is envisaged by theexercise machine 200, theexercise machine 200 is advantageously configured to provide to the user, by means of therespective display unit 204, a piece of information representative of one or more preferred values (or one or more ranges of preferred values) of a second parameter of theexercise machine 200 which can be controlled during its operation, determined on the basis of the value of the first parameter of theexercise machine 200 which can be controlled during its operation. - For example, if the
exercise machine 200 is a treadmill and the first parameter of theexercise machine 200 which can be controlled during its operation is the gradient of the treadmill, theexercise machine 200 is configured to control the gradient of the treadmill by means of theactuation device 206 and to advantageously provide to the user, by means of therespective display unit 204, a piece of information representative of one or more preferred values (or one or more ranges of preferred values) of the rotation speed of the treadmill (as the second parameter of theexercise machine 200 which can be controlled during its operation), determined on the basis of the gradient value of the treadmill. - In an embodiment, the control instructions of the operation of the exercise machine received from the
control unit 101 may be executed automatically by the exercise machine as a function of a respective command of the user trainer imparted to thecontrol unit 101. - Examples of these cases were provided previously.
- The
exercise machine 200 is further configured to receive from thecontrol unit 101, by means of the communication network data NTW, a piece of information representative of the training time during the performance of the training program. - The
exercise machine 200 is configured to send to thecontrol unit 101, by means of the communication network data NTW, during the performance of the training program, data representative of the operation of the exercise machine, for example: -
- the value of a first parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled during its operation or a second parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled during its operation;
- data representative of the users physical condition during the training (e.g. heart rate);
- the identification data of the user (e.g. the real name or a nickname).
- Furthermore, in an embodiment, in combination with any of the previous ones, the
exercise machine 200 is configured to receive the training program from thecontrol unit 101 by means of the communication network data NTW. - In an embodiment, in combination with the previous one, in which the training program is run autonomously by the
exercise machine 200, theexercise machine 200 is configured to automatically modify the first parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled during operation (e.g., the gradient or inclination of the treadmill if the exercise machine is a treadmill) as a function of the training program received from thecontrol unit 101 in a synchronized manner with theother exercise machines 200 of the plurality ofexercise machines 500. - Additionally, the
exercise machine 200 is configured to modify, at any time during the performance of the training program, following a manual command received from the user by means of thecontrol interface 203 with which theexercise machine 200 is provided, the value of the first parameter of theexercise machine 200 which can be controlled during operation (e.g. the gradient or inclination of the treadmill, if theexercise machine 200 is a treadmill) if the user is unable to keep up the value of the first parameter of theexercise machine 200 which can be controlled during operation, set automatically according to the training program. - Additionally, the
exercise machine 200 is configured to modify, at any time during the performance of the training program, following a manual command received from the user by means of thecontrol interface 203 with which theexercise machine 200 is provided, the value of the second parameter of theexercise machine 200 which can be controlled during operation (e.g., the rotation speed of the treadmill, if theexercise machine 200 is a treadmill) if the user is unable to keep up the value of the second parameter of theexercise machine 200 which can be controlled during operation, set automatically according to the training program. - In the moment in which, in the profile of the training program, a successive interval of time starts with a set value of the first parameter of the
exercise machine 200 which can be controlled during operation and/or the second parameter of theexercise machine 200 which can be controlled during operation assigned with it, theexercise machine 200 is configured to align the value of the first parameter of theexercise machine 200 which can be controlled during operation and/or the value of the second parameter of theexercise machine 200 which can be controlled during operation varied manually by the user to the respective values of the profile of the training program selected by the trainer user. - Furthermore, the
exercise machine 200 is configured to show to the user, by means of thedisplay unit 204 with which theexercise machine 200 is provided, a profile of the first parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled during operation provided for in the loaded training program with an instantaneous indication of a current point the user is at as time elapses. - Furthermore, the
exercise machine 200 is configured to show to the user, by means of thedisplay unit 204 with which theexercise machine 200 is provided, a piece of information representative of one or more preferred values (or one or more ranges of preferred values) of the second parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled during the operation of the exercise machine (in the case of a treadmill, the second parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled during operation is, for example, the rotation speed of the treadmill) determined on the basis of the value of the first parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled 200 during operation of the machine. - An example of such display is shown in
FIG. 6 . - The
display unit 204 of theexercise machine 200 suggests a third screen S1 to the user representative of the training data of the user during the execution of the training program. - For example, the third screen S1 shows to the user the current value GR-C of the first parameter GR of the machine which can be controlled during the operation of the exercise machine (in the case of a treadmill, the gradient or inclination) and the current value SP-C of the second parameter SP of the exercise machine operation which can be controlled during the operation of the exercise machine (in the case of a treadmill, the rotation speed).
- Additionally, the third screen S1 comprises a chart in the middle having the time t on the abscissa and a first parameter PM1 of the exercise machine which can be controlled during its operation, in the respective unit of measurement, on the ordinate, e.g. if the exercise machine is a treadmill, the gradient or inclination of the treadmill. Such graph is entirely similar to that described with reference to
FIG. 5 . - Furthermore, the third screen S1 shows icons to the user representative of first commands C1 to manually vary the first parameter GR of the exercise machine which can be controlled during the operation of the exercise machine and representative of second commands C2 to manually vary the second parameter SP of the exercise machine which can be controlled during the operation of the exercise machine.
- Furthermore, the third screen S1 shows to the user a plurality of current values PV of data representative of the user's physical condition during the training.
- Still, the third screen S1 comprises a first arrow F1 to go to a specific screen representative of the first parameter GR of the exercise machine which can be controlled during the operation of the exercise machine and a second arrow F2 to go to a specific screen of the second parameter SP of the exercise machine which can be controlled during the operation of the exercise machine.
- Furthermore, the third screen S1 further comprises a piece of information PS representative of one or more preferred values (or one or more ranges of preferred values) of the second parameter SP of the
exercise machine 200 which can be controlled during the operation of theexercise machine 200 determined on the basis of the value of the first parameter GR ofexercise machine 200 which can be controlled during the operation of theexercise machine 200. - Again, the third screen S1 comprises information representative of the training program in the successive time interval, i.e.:
-
- the time TM left before the end of the current interval of time in which the
exercise machine 200 is controlled with the current value GR-C of the first parameter GR of the machine which can be controlled during the operation of the exercise machine (in the case of a treadmill the gradient or inclination) and the current value SP-C of the second parameter SP of the exercise machine operation which can be controlled during the operation of the exercise machine (in the case of a treadmill, the rotation speed); - the successive value GR-CS of the first parameter GR of the machine which can be controlled during the operation of the exercise machine (in the case of a treadmill, the gradient or inclination);
- the successive value SP-CS of the second parameter SP of operation of the exercise machine which can be controlled during the operation of the exercise machine (in the case of a treadmill, the rotation speed).
- the time TM left before the end of the current interval of time in which the
- Turing back in general to the system in
FIG. 1 , theexercise machine 200 is also configured to receive from thecontrol unit 101, by means of the communication network data NTW, an end of training command, in the moment in which the total time of the training program ends or in the moment in which the trainer user imparts an end of training command on thecontrol unit 101. - In an embodiment, at the end of the training, following the reception of the end of training command, the
exercise machine 200 is configured to send to the remoteelectronic processor 300, e.g. by means of the Internet, the results of the training performed by the user on theexercise machine 200, in order to store it inside thememory unit 302 of the remoteelectronic processor 300 in the account of the user (if the user has previously been authenticated on the exercise machine). - A
method 400 for managing a training of users on a plurality of exercise machines, hereinafter also managing method or simply method, according to an embodiment of the present invention, will now described also with reference toFIG. 7 . - The
method 400 comprises a symbolic step of starting ST. - The
system 400 comprises a step of providing 401 acontrol unit 101 of a training of users on a plurality of exercise machines. - The
control unit 101 can be accessed by a trainer user responsible for managing the training class on a plurality of exercise machines. - The
control unit 101, according to various embodiments, has been described above and is not here described for the sake of brevity of description. - The
method 400 further comprises a step of providing 402 a plurality ofexercise machines 500 operatively connected to thecontrol unit 101 by means of a data communication network NTW. - As mentioned above, the plurality of
exercise machines 500 are distributed in the same location so that they can be used by users for performing a training class under the guidance and/or supervision of the trainer user employing thecontrol unit 101. - The plurality of
exercise machines 500, according to various embodiments, was described above and is not here described for the sake of brevity of description. - As previously mentioned, the plurality of
exercise machines 500 are locked and ready to be only used in the training class while waiting to receive a start of training command from thecontrol unit 101, as will be described below. - The
method 400 further comprises a step of loading 403, by thecontrol unit 101, in arespective memory module 103 of thecontrol unit 101, a training program to be performed for the users of the training class chosen by the trainer user from various training programs. - In an embodiment, shown in
FIG. 7 with dashed lines, the step of loading 403 comprises a step of receiving 403 a, by thecontrol unit 101, training programs stored in therespective memory module 103. - In an alternative embodiment, also shown in the figure with dashed lines, the step of loading 403 comprises a step of receiving 403 b, by means of the
control unit 101, one or more training programs from an electronic device of the trainer user. - In more detail, it is worth noting that the one or more training programs are created by the trainer user on the electronic device of the trainer user by means of a specific software application (APP).
- In a further alternative embodiment, also shown in
FIG. 7 by dashed lines, the step of loading 403 comprises a step of receiving 403 c, by means of thecontrol unit 101, training programs from a remote electronic processor 300 (if provided), e.g. by means of the Internet or other remote database of the gym or club, by means of the communication network data NTW. - Turning back to the embodiment in
FIG. 7 , themethod 400 further comprises sending 404, by thecontrol unit 101, by means of the data communication network NTW, a start of training command to the plurality ofexercise machines 500. - In an embodiment, shown in
FIG. 7 with dashed lines, the step of sending 404 comprises a step of showing 404′ to the trainer user, by thecontrol unit 101, e.g. on adisplay module 105 with which with thecontrol unit 101 is provided, a start of training command. - Turning back to
FIG. 7 , themethod 400 comprises a step of starting 405, by the plurality ofexercise machines 500, the training following the reception of the start of training command. - The
method 400 further comprises a step of sending 406 to the plurality ofexercise machines 500, by thecontrol unit 101, by means of the data communication network NTW, at least one control instruction of the operation of eachexercise machine 200 of the plurality ofexercise machines 500. - The definitions of the training program and of said at least one control instruction of the operation of the exercise machine were previously provided and here are not repeated for the sake of brevity of description.
- In an embodiment, the step of sending 406 is performed by the
control unit 101, in following a manual command of the trainer user. - In this embodiment, the step of sending 406 is performed by the
control unit 101, to provide at least one instruction for controlling the operation of each exercise machine to the plurality ofexercise machines 500, such as a stop command, a pause command, a restart command, an end of training command, a synchronization command. - In an embodiment, the step of sending 406 is performed, by the
control unit 101, as a function of a profile of the training program selected by the trainer user. - In greater detail, this step of sending 406 is performed, by the
control unit 101, to provide to the plurality of exercise machines 500 a control instruction of the operation of each exercise machine, such as the variation of a parameter of theexercise machine 200 which can be controlled during operation. - Turning back to the step of sending 406 the at least one control instruction of the operation of an exercise machine, it is worth noting that in an embodiment the step of sending 406 is performed, by the
control unit 101, in response to the reception of a respective request to receive a control instruction of the operation of anexercise machine 200 and training data of each user on therespective exercise machine 200, recorded by theexercise machine 200 during its operation, sent periodically (for e.g. once a second) by eachexercise machine 200 of the plurality ofexercise machines 500. - The training data were defined above.
- Turning back to
FIG. 7 , themethod 400 comprises the step of controlling 407 the operation of eachexercise machine 200, by eachexercise machine 200 of the plurality ofexercise machines 500, on the basis of the at least one control instruction of the operation of eachexercise machine 200 received from thecontrol unit 101. - It is worth noting that step of controlling 407 is performed by each
exercise machine 200 of the plurality ofexercise machines 500, if thecontrol unit 101, according to the training program loaded in response to this request, sends to the exercise machine a control instruction of the operation of the exercise machine. - In a further embodiment, shown in
FIG. 7 with a dashed line, between the step of loading 403, by thecontrol unit 101, a training program to be performed by the training class users and the step of sending 404, by thecontrol unit 101, a start of training command to the plurality ofexercise machines 500, themethod 400 comprises a step of sending 408, by thecontrol unit 101, the training program chosen by the trainer user to the plurality ofexercise machines 500, by means of the data communication network NTW. - In this embodiment, as shown in
FIG. 7 by dashed lines, the step of controlling 407 comprises a step of performing 409 by eachexercise machine 200 of the plurality ofexercise machines 500, the training program received from thecontrol unit 101. - In this embodiment, the at least one control instruction of the operation of each
exercise machine 200 such as the variation of a parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled during operation is executed independently by eachexercise machine 200. - In an embodiment, if the
exercise machine 200 of the plurality ofexercise machines 500 is a treadmill, said exercise machine parameter which can be controlled during the operation being the gradient of the treadmill, the step of controlling 407 being performed by controlling anactuation device 206 with which eachexercise machine 200 is provided configured to receive a treadmill gradient variation command from a respectivedata processing unit 201. - It is worth noting that in this embodiment, the step of sending 406 is performed, by the
control unit 101, to provide at least one instruction for controlling the operation of each exercise machine to the plurality ofexercise machines 500, such as a stop command, a pause command, a restart command, an end of training command, a synchronization command. - In an embodiment, not shown in the figures, the
method 400 further comprises a step of providing, by thecontrol unit 101, a piece of information representative of the training time during the performance of the training program to the plurality ofexercise machines 500, by means of the data communication network NTW. - In an embodiment, shown in
FIG. 7 with a dashed line, themethod 400 further comprises a step of sending 410 to the plurality ofexercise machines 500, by thecontrol unit 101, via the communication network data NTW, an end of training command. - It is worth noting that the end of training command can be sent in the moment in which a total training time of the training program ends or when the trainer user imparts an end of training command on the
control unit 101. - In this embodiment, as shown in
FIG. 7 by dashed lines, themethod 400 further comprises a step of ending 411, by the plurality ofexercise machines 500, the training following the reception of the end of training command. - Turning back in general to the embodiment in
FIG. 7 , themethod 400 ends with a symbolic step of ending ED. - In an embodiment, not shown in the figures, the
method 400 further comprises a step of showing to the trainer user, by thecontrol unit 101, by means of therespective display module 105 with which the control unit is provided 101, a list of the users participating in the training program, wherein, the user identification data and an indication representing whether a user can follow a profile of a first parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled during operation or not, according to the loaded training program, are associated with each user. - In greater detail, the aforesaid step of showing comprises the steps of:
-
- receiving a value of said first parameter of the
exercise machine 200 which can be controlled during its operation (e.g. the gradient of a treadmill), during the training of a user on theexercise machine 200; - comparing such received value with the value of said first parameter of the
exercise machine 200 which can be controlled during its operation envisaged by the training program in order to determine a deviation; - if such deviation is different from zero, moving a line inside the plurality of lines PR corresponding to such user to the first place of the plurality of lines PR, possibly by adding a graphic symbol SG by the side of at least either one or a combination of: a
sequential number 01, a respective real name RN1 and a respective nickname NK1 of such user.
- receiving a value of said first parameter of the
- In an embodiment, not shown in
FIG. 7 , themethod 400 comprises a step of providing a remote electronic processor 300 (cloud) operatively connected to thecontrol unit 101 and the plurality ofexercise machines 500. - The remote
electronic processor 300 was described above and is not repeated here for the sake of brevity of description. - In an embodiment, in combination with previous ones and not shown in
FIG. 7 , following the sending of the end of training command, at the end of the training, themethod 400 comprises a step of storing, by thecontrol unit 101, in therespective memory module 103, a summary of the training class. - It is worth noting that “summary of the training class” means a combination of overall information, such as, for example, start of training time, end of training time and so forth.
- In an embodiment, in combination with the previous one, the
method 400 comprises a step of sending, by thecontrol unit 101, to a remote database of gym or club, e.g. by means of the Internet, the summary of the training class. - In an embodiment, either alternatively to or in combination with the previous one, the
method 400 comprises a step of sending, by thecontrol unit 101, to the remoteelectronic processor 300, e.g. by means of the Internet, the summary of the training class in order to store it inside of thememory unit 302 of the remoteelectronic processor 300 in the account of the trainer user. - In an embodiment, in combination with the previous ones, at the end of the training, following the reception of the end of training command, the
method 400 comprises a step of sending, by eachexercise machine 200 of the plurality ofexercise machines 500, to the remoteelectronic processor 300, e.g. by means of the Internet, the results of the training performed by the user on theexercise machine 200, in order to store it inside thememory unit 302 of the remoteelectronic processor 300 in the account of the user (if the user has previously been authenticated on the exercise machine). - According to another embodiment, in combination with any one of the embodiments described above, the
method 400 comprises a step of receiving, by eachexercise machine 200 of the plurality ofexercise machines 500, from thecontrol unit 101 by means of the communication network data NTW, the training program selected by the trainer user. - Furthermore, in an embodiment, the
method 400 comprises a step of receiving, by eachexercise machine 200 of the plurality ofexercise machines 500, from thecontrol unit 101, by means of the communication network data NTW, a start of training command. - Furthermore, in an embodiment, the
method 400 comprises a step of receiving, by eachexercise machine 200 of the plurality ofexercise machines 500, from thecontrol unit 101, by means of the communication network data NTW, a piece of information representative of the training time during the performance of the training program. - In an embodiment, in combination with any of the previous ones, the
method 400 comprises a step of sending, by eachexercise machine 200 of the plurality ofexercise machines 500, to thecontrol unit 101, by means of the data communication network NTW, during the performance of the training program, a request of control instructions of the operation of the exercise machine and training data of the user on the exercise machine, such as at least either one or a combination of: -
- the value of a first parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled during operation;
- the value of a second parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled during operation;
- data representative of the users physical condition during the training;
- identification data of the user (e.g. the name or a nickname).
- Additionally, in an embodiment, in combination with any of the previous ones, the
method 400 comprises a step of manually modifying, at any moment during the performance of the training program, following a command received from the user via acontrol interface 203 with which anexercise machine 200 of the plurality ofexercise machines 500 is provided, the value of the first parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled during operation (e.g. the gradient of inclination of the treadmill if the exercise machine is a treadmill) or of a second parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled during operation (e.g. the rotation speed of the treadmill if the exercise machine is a treadmill) if the user cannot keep the value of the first parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled during operation or the value of the second parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled during operation, set automatically during the training program chosen by the trainer user. - Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the invention, in combination with any one of the embodiments described above, the
method 400 includes a step of showing to the user, by therespective exercise machine 200, by means of thedisplay unit 204 with which theexercise machine 200 is provided, a profile of the first parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled during its operation and/or the profile of the second parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled during its operation, provided in the training program loaded with an instantaneous indication of a current point the user is at as time elapses. - Furthermore, according to an embodiment, in combination with any one of the previous ones, the
method 400 comprises a step of providing the user, by therespective exercise machine 200 by means of adisplay unit 204 with which theexercise machine 200 is provided, with a piece of information representative of one or more preferred values (or one or more intervals of preferred values) of the second parameter of theexercise machine 200 which can be controlled during its operation, determined on the basis of the value of the first parameter of theexercise machine 200 which can be controlled during its operation. - In an embodiment, in combination with any one of the preceding ones, the
method 400 comprises a step of receiving, by eachexercise machine 200 of the plurality ofexercise machines 500, from thecontrol unit 101, by means of the communication network data NTW, an end of training command, in the moment in which the total training time program ends or when the trainer user imparts an end of training command on thecontrol unit 101. - An example of operation of the
system 100 in an embodiment thereof, by implementing themethod 400, according to an embodiment thereof will now be described with reference to the aforementioned figures. - According to the present example, the plurality of
exercise machines 500 comprises treadmills. - The user trainer loads on the control unit 101 a training program chosen from the training programs previously stored in the
memory module 103 of thecontrol unit 101. - The trainer user sends, by means of the
control unit 101 and the data communication network NTW, the loaded training program to the plurality ofexercise machines 500 belonging to the training class, previously associated with thecontrol unit 101 by storing the IP address of thecontrol unit 101 on eachexercise machine 200 of the plurality ofexercise machines 500. - Subsequently, the
control unit 101 shows the start of training command to the trainer user, by means of thedisplay module 104. - The trainer user actuates the start of training command on the
control unit 101. - The
control unit 101 sends the start of training command to the plurality ofexercise machines 500, by means of the communication network data NTW. - The plurality of exercise machines 500 (treadmills) starts the training.
- The training of the users in the training class begins on all treadmills which, until the start of training command was received, were locked and ready to run the training class.
- Each
exercise machine 200 periodically sends (e.g. once a second) to thecontrol unit 101 by means of the communication network data NTW, a request for control instructions of the operation of the treadmill and training data of the respective user on theexercise machine 200, recorded by theexercise machine 200 during its operation. - If it is envisaged in the training program selected by the trainer user, or as a result of the manual control of the trainer user or as a function of the profile of the training program, the
control unit 101 sends at least one control instruction of the operation of each exercise machine to the plurality ofexercise machines 500. - Each
exercise machine 200 of the plurality ofexercise machines 500 controls the respective operation on the basis of the at least one control instruction of the operation of eachexercise machine 200 received from thecontrol unit 101. - In particular, each
exercise machine 200 of the plurality ofexercise machines 500 can vary, on the basis of at least one received control instruction of the operation, the first parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled during operation, for example the gradient or gradient of the treadmill. - During the execution of the training program, the
control unit 101 shows to the trainer user, by means of arespective display module 105 with which thecontrol unit 101 is provided, a list of the users participating in the training program, in which, the user identification data and an indication representing whether a user can follow a profile of a first parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled during operation or not, according to the loaded training program, are associated with each user. - During the execution of the training program, a user may manually modify, at any time, by means of the
control interface 203 with which theexercise machine 200 is provided, the value of the first parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled during operation (e.g. the gradient or inclination of the treadmill if the exercise machine is a treadmill), if the user is unable to keep up the value of the first parameter of theexercise machine 200 which can be controlled during operation, set automatically according to the training program. - In the moment in which, in the profile of the training program, a subsequent time interval starts with assigned a set value of the first parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled during operation, the first parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled during operation varied manually by the user will be aligned with the respective value of the profile of the training program selected by the trainer user.
- According to a specific example, while performing the training, the users of the training class can run on treadmills for a first period of time, e.g. 5 minutes at a rotation speed of the treadmill of 8-10 km/h (which can be managed manually by the user on the exercise machine) with a gradient of the treadmill of 2% (managed automatically by the exercise machine as a function of the profile of the training program selected by the trainer user).
- The trainer user sends a pause command, by means of the
control unit 101, to the plurality ofexercise machines 500. - Following the reception of the pause command sent by the
control unit 101, eachexercise machine 200 controls the respective electric motor to decelerate the treadmill to take it to a zero-rotation speed following a set deceleration ramp. The gradient of each treadmill instead remains that of the profile of the training program chosen by the trainer user assigned in the instant in time in which the pause command is imparted. - Users step off their respective treadmill and stand next to it to perform floor exercises as instructed by the trainer user, e.g. push-ups for a prescribed time interval (e.g., 30 seconds).
- The users then step back onto their respective treadmill.
- The trainer user sends a restart command, by means of the
control unit 101, to the plurality ofexercise machines 500. - Following the reception of the restart command sent by the
control unit 101, eachexercise machine 200 controls the respective electric motor to accelerate the treadmill to take it to a set rotation speed (e.g. the one at which was before the previous deceleration ramp) following a set acceleration ramp. The gradient of each treadmill instead remains that of the profile of the training program chosen by the trainer user assigned in the instant in time in which the pause command is imparted. - Once the training is finished, the trainer user imparts an end of training command on the
control unit 101. - The
control unit 101 sends, by means of the data communication network NTW, an end of training command to the plurality ofexercise machines 500. - The training program of the users in the training class ends.
- At the end of the training, the
control unit 101 stores a summary of the training class in arespective memory module 103. - The
control unit 101 sends a summary of the training class to a remote database of the gym or club, e.g. by means of the Internet. - The
control unit 101 also sends the summary of the training class to the remote electronic processor 300 (where provided), e.g. by means of the Internet, in order to store it inside thememory unit 302 of the remoteelectronic processor 300 in the trainer user's account. - Each
exercise machine 200 of the plurality ofexercise machines 500 sends the user's training results on theexercise machine 200 to the remoteelectronic processor 300, if provided, in order to store the training results in thememory unit 302 of the remoteelectronic processor 300 in the user's account (if the latter was previously authenticated on the exercise machine). - It is apparent that the object of the invention is fully achieved because the method and system according to the present invention allows the control of a plurality of exercise machines by the control unit managed by the trainer user.
- Indeed, the automatic loading, on both the control unit and on the plurality of exercise machines, of the same training program advantageously allows the synchronized performance of the training program in which, for example, instructions for controlling the operation of an exercise machine, such as stop, pause, restart, end of training commands, or variation of a first parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled during the operation of the exercise machine (gradient of a treadmill) or a second parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled during operation (rotation speed of a treadmill) are performed in automatic and synchronized manner across all exercise machines employed by users of the class.
- In this manner, the risk that a command, vocal or other, of the trainer user to vary, for example, the gradient of a treadmill is either not heard, not performed successfully or, if heard, is performed with considerable delay, is greatly reduced.
- Therefore, the method and system for managing a training of users on exercise machines according to the present invention allows to avoid as much as possible problems to the users during the user's training, such as accidents or excessive fatigue.
- Furthermore, the method and system for managing a training for users on a plurality of exercise machines according to the present invention advantageously allows to reduce as much as possible the manual adjustments of the respective exercise machine by the user during the training class, whereby increasing the level of accuracy, synchronization and coordination of the entire training class.
- Still, it is advantageously possible for the trainer user to perform a training program which provides moments of use of the exercise machine and moments of exercises on the floor without using the exercise machine in manner as coordinated as possible.
- Furthermore, if a user is still breathless because of excessive effort, the user can resort to controlling the exercise machine in order to be able to recover physical energy and catch his or her breath and subsequently, when the exercise machine is aligned back to the loaded training program, successfully continue the training program followed by the class.
- A person skilled in art may make changes and adaptations to the method and respective system described above or can replace elements with others which are functionally equivalent to satisfy contingent needs without departing from the scope of protection of the appended claims. All the features described above as belonging to one possible embodiment may be implemented independently from the other described embodiments.
Claims (17)
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EP3476440A1 (en) | 2019-05-01 |
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