CA2687166C - Exercise apparatus adapting individual physical ability and control method thereof - Google Patents
Exercise apparatus adapting individual physical ability and control method thereof Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2687166C CA2687166C CA2687166A CA2687166A CA2687166C CA 2687166 C CA2687166 C CA 2687166C CA 2687166 A CA2687166 A CA 2687166A CA 2687166 A CA2687166 A CA 2687166A CA 2687166 C CA2687166 C CA 2687166C
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- Prior art keywords
- exercise machine
- exercise
- parameter
- command
- control unit
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B24/00—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
- A61H1/00—Apparatus for passive exercising; Vibrating apparatus ; Chiropractic devices, e.g. body impacting devices, external devices for briefly extending or aligning unbroken bones
- A61H1/005—Moveable platform, e.g. vibrating or oscillating platform for standing, sitting, laying, leaning
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
- A61H2203/00—Additional characteristics concerning the patient
- A61H2203/04—Position of the patient
- A61H2203/0406—Standing on the feet
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B24/00—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
- A63B24/0075—Means for generating exercise programs or schemes, e.g. computerized virtual trainer, e.g. using expert databases
Abstract
An exercise apparatus (10) adapting individual physical ability and control method thereof are provided, wherein the control method including the following steps: determining if it is an automatism mode according to a pattern selection order after setting the message parameter of an individual physiology condition, reading an exercise course according to a course selection order received an the automatism mode, producing a control order controlling an action of the exercise apparatus according to the message parameter of the individual physiology condition and the exercise course.
Description
4 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an exercise apparatus and control 6 method thereof, especially relates to an exercise apparatus that can 7 accommodate a user's physical condition to provide a suitable training.
8 2. Description of Related Art 9 A conventional exercise apparatus can provide different exercising or training modes that are preset by the producer. The conventional exercise 11 apparatus includes a motive power generating apparatus and a control circuit.
12 The control circuit controls the motive power generating apparatus to be 13 operated in different mechanical motion modes. For example, a treadmill has a 14 belt driven by a motor assembly. The motor assembly is controlled by a control circuit to increase or decrease it's revolutions, so as to change the slipping speed 16 of the belt. Thus when running on the belt, the user must adjust his/her running 17 speeds to accommodate the belt. The user then can experience different extents 18 of sports effect.
19 However, even thought the exercise apparatus is operated in the same training mode, users may have different sports effects due to their differences of 21 personal physical conditions.
22 The conventional exercise apparatus may further have a manual mode 23 that allows the user to create a customized training program, which is more 24 flexible than the preset modes. However, without the expert's assistance and teaching, users may incorrectly estimate their own physical conditions, create an inappropriate training program and be unable to have the best sports effect.
To overcome the shortcomings, the present invention provides an exercise apparatus and a control method thereof to mitigate or obviate the aforementioned problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an exercise apparatus and control method thereof that can provide a suitable range of training strength for users according to their physical conditions.
According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a control method of an exercise machine comprising: setting personal physical parameters in the exercise machine;
receiving a mode selection command; determining whether the exercise machine is operated in either an automatic operating mode or a manual operating mode; wherein when the exercise machine is determined to be operated in the automatic operating mode, the control method further comprises the steps of: receiving a program selection command and selecting one of multiple training programs being stored in the exercise machine;
generating an automatic operating command based on the personal physical parameters and the selected training program, characterized in that the control method further comprises:
determining whether entered personal physical parameters are out of a permissible range corresponding to the selected training program; and providing certain suitable training strength by the exercise machine when the personal physical parameters are out of the permissible range;
and outputting the automatic operating command to activate the exercise machine based on the automatic operating command.
According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided an exercise machine, comprising: a memory unit stored with multiple training programs, each of which provides a series of exercising postures; a command input unit for setting personal physical parameters, customized exercise parameters and receiving a mode selection command and a program selection command; a control unit connecting to the command input unit and the memory unit and receiving the personal physical parameters, the customized exercise parameters, the mode selection command or the program selection command from the command input unit, and giving a manual operating command or an automatic operating command to activate the exercise machine based on the personal physical parameters, the customized exercise parameters and the program selection command, characterized in that the automatic operating command is generated based on determining whether the entered personal physical parameters are out of a permissible range corresponding to the selected training program, and providing certain suitable training strength by the exercise machine when the personal physical parameters are out of the permissible range; a motive power generating unit connecting to the control unit through a connecting interface, receiving the operating commands of the control unit and being driven according to the received operating commands; and a power supply unit connecting to the control unit and providing electric power to the control unit.
The control method of an exercise apparatus in accordance with the present invention comprises:
setting personal physical parameters in the exercise apparatus;
receiving a mode selection command;
determining whether the exercise apparatus being operated in either an automatic operating mode or a manual operating mode;
entering the preset program operating mode;
receiving a program selection command and selecting one of multiple training programs being stored in the exercise apparatus;.
generating a automatic operating command based on the personal physical parameters and the selected training program; and outputting the automatic operating command to activate the exercise apparatus based on the automatic operating command.
With foregoing steps the exercise apparatus can adjust its training strength base on the entered personal physical parameters.
The exercise apparatus comprises a memory unit, a command input unit, a control unit, a motive power generating unit and a power supply unit. The memory unit has multiple training programs individually providing a series of exercising postures. The command input unit is for setting personal physical parameters, a customized exercise parameters as desired and entering a mode selection command and a program selection command. The control unit connects to the command input unit and the memory unit and receives the personal physical parameters, the customized exercise parameters, the mode selection command or the program selection command form the command input unit and gives a manual operating command or an automatic operating command to activate the exercise apparatus by comparing the personal physical parameters with the customized exercise parameters or with the program selection command. The motive power generating unit connects to the control 3a unit through a connecting interface, receives the operating command of the control unit and is driven according to the received commands. The power supply unit connects to the control unit and provides electric power to the control unit.
The memory unit further includes multiple posture display images respectively representing the exercising postures and being shown by the exercise apparatus visually.
The exercise apparatus further comprises a display Unit connecting to the control unit displaying one of the posture display images of the memory unit to demonstrate how the = exercising posture is practiced.
Other advantages and novel features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in 1 conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
3 Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an exercise apparatus in accordance with the 4 present invention;
Fig. 2 is a flowchart of the control method of the exercise apparatus in 6 accordance with the present invention;
7 Fig. 3 is another flowchart of the control method of the exercise 8 apparatus in accordance with the present invention;
9 Fig. 4 is perspective view of a preferred embodiment of an exercise apparatus in accordance with the present invention;
11 Fig. 5 is a vertical view of a control panel of the exercise apparatus in Fig.
12 4;
13 Fig. 6 is an operational front view of the exercise apparatus in Fig. 4;
and 14 Fig. 7 is an operational side view of the exercise apparatus in Fig. 4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
16 With reference to Fig. 1, an exercise apparatus (10) in accordance with 17 the present invention comprises a memory unit (11), a command input unit (12), 18 a control unit (13), a motive power generating unit (14), a power supply unit (15), 19 an optional display unit (16), an optional sound effect device (17), an optional communication interface (18) and an optional display interface (19).
21 The memory unit (11) stores with multiple training programs and 22 multiple posture display images. Each training program is preset and provides a 23 series of exercising postures and includes multiple parameter sets. Each 24 exercising posture corresponds to one parameter set. Each parameter set can 1 comprise a time parameter, a frequency parameter and a posture parameter.
The 2 time parameter defines an operating time of the exercise apparatus (10).
The 3 frequency parameter defines an operating frequency of the exercise apparatus 4 (10). The posture display images respectively correspond to the posture parameters and may be dynamic images or static images demonstrating the 6 exercising postures individually and are shown by the exercise apparatus (10) 7 visually.
8 The command input unit (12) is for a user to set personal physical 9 parameters and customized exercise parameters and to receive a mode selection command and a program selection command. The personal physical parameters 11 may include a weight parameter, a height parameter, an age parameter and a 12 gender parameter. The customized exercise parameters may include an 13 amplitude parameter, a time parameter, a frequency parameter and a posture 14 parameter. The amplitude parameter, the time parameter and the frequency parameter respectively represent an operating amplitude, an operating time and 16 an operating frequency of the exercise apparatus (10). Each posture parameter 17 corresponds to a posture display image stored in the memory unit (11).
18 According to the customized exercise parameters, the exercise apparatus (10) 19 will be operated for the operating time with the operating amplitude and the operating frequency, and will show the designated posture display image.
21 The control unit (13) connects to the command input unit (12) and the 22 memory unit (11), and receives the personal physical parameters, the customized 23 exercise parameters, the mode selection command or the program selection 24 command from the command input unit (12). Base on the mode selection 1 command, the control unit (13) generate a manual operating command or an 2 automatic operating command to activate the exercise apparatus (10) based on 3 the personal physical parameters, the customized exercise parameters, and the 4 program selection command.
The motive power generating unit (14) connects to the control unit (13) 6 through a connecting interface (141), receives the operating commands of the 7 control unit (13) and is activated according to the received operating commands.
8 The power supply unit (15) connects to the control unit (13) and 9 provides electric power to the control unit (10).
The display unit (16) connects to the control unit (13), displays the 11 posture display image to demonstrate how the exercising posture is practiced.
12 The sound effect device (17) connects to the control unit (13) and 13 generates a sound when the training program is started or finished.
14 The communication interface (18) connects to the control unit (13) and may be implemented as a wired RS-232 to USB connecting interface, an infrared 16 module, a RP module or a bluetooth data transfer module. An external electronic 17 device may link to the exercise apparatus (10) via the communication interface 18 (18).
19 The display interface (19) connects to the control unit (13) for connecting to an external monitor to showing the posture display images more 21 clearly.
22 With reference to Fig. 2, the control method of the exercise apparatus 23 comprises following steps of setting personal physical parameters (100), 24 receiving a mode selection command (101), determining to enter either an 1 automatic operating mode or a manual operating mode (102), entering the 2 automatic operating mode (103), receiving a program selection command (104), 3 generating an automatic operating command (105), outputting the automatic 4 operating command (106) and activating the exercise apparatus (10) (111).
In the step of setting personal physical parameters (100), one user sets 6 his/her own personal physical parameters. The personal physical parameters 7 include a weight parameter, a height parameter, an age parameter and a gender 8 parameter.
9 In the step of receiving a mode selection command (101), a mode selection command is input by the user to the control unit (13) via the command 11 input unit (12).
12 In the step of determining to enter either an automatic operating mode or =
13 a manual operating mode (102), the control unit (13) determines whether the 14 exercise apparatus should be operated in the automatic operating mode or the manual operating mode according to the mode selection command.
16 In the step of receiving a program selection command (104), the user 17 uses the command input unit (12) to enter a program selection command to the 18 control unit (13), the control unit (13) thus reads a training program 19 corresponding to the received program selection command.
In the step of generating an automatic operating command (105), the 21 control unit (13) compares the personal physical parameters with the training 22 program and accordingly generates the automatic operating command.
23 In the step of outputting the automatic operating command (106), the 24 control unit (13) outputs the automatic operating command to activate the 1 exercise apparatus (10).
2 With foregoing steps, the exercise apparatus can be activated.
3 Furthermore, in the step of determining to enter either the automatic 4 operating mode or the manual operating mode (102), if the exercise apparatus is determined by the control unit (13) to be operated in the manual operating mode, 6 following steps will be executed: entering the manual operating mode (107), 7 setting customized exercise parameters (108), generating a manual operating 8 command (109), outputting the manual operating command (110) and activating 9 the exercise apparatus (10).
In the step of setting customized exercise parameters (108), the user 11 enters customized exercise parameters to the control unit (13) via the command 12 input unit (12).
13 In the step of generating a manual operating command (109), the control 14 unit (13) generates the manual operating command according to the customized exercise parameters.
16 In the step of outputting the manual operating command (110), the 17 control unit (13) outputs the manual operating command and activate the 18 exercise apparatus (10) according to the manual operating command.
19 With further reference to Fig. 3, because in this embodiment the personal physical parameters include a weight parameter, a height parameter, an 21 age parameter and a gender parameter, thus the step of setting the personal 22 physical parameters (100) may further include following steps:
initializing 23 (1001), setting weight parameter (1002), setting height parameter (1003), setting 24 age parameter (1004) and setting gender parameter (1005).
1 The step of receiving a program selection command (104) may further 2 include following steps: selecting exercise level (1041) and selecting a training 3 program (1042).
4 The steps of receiving a mode selection command (101), determining to enter either an automatic operating mode or a manual operating mode (102), 6 entering the automatic operating mode (103) and entering the manual operating 7 mode (107) are organized into one step: selecting operating mode (1011).
8 In the step of selecting exercise level (1041), the user uses the command 9 input unit (12) to select and enter a specific preset amplitude parameter (which may be named as beginner level, medium level or advanced level) to the control 11 unit (13).
12 In the step of select a training program (1042), the user uses the 13 command input unit (12) to enter the program selection command to the control 14 unit (13) in order to select a preset training program.
In this embodiment, the foregoing customized exercise parameters 16 include an amplitude parameter, a time parameter, a frequency parameter and a 17 posture parameter and are executed to activate the exercise apparatus (10). The 18 exercise apparatus (10) can be operated with a certain amplitude and a certain 19 frequency during a certain time and show the posture display image.
Consequently, the step of setting customized exercise parameters (108) may 21 further includes following steps: setting amplitude parameter (1081), setting 22 time parameter (1082), setting frequency parameter (1083) and setting posture 23 parameter (1084).
24 Because any person can set customized exercise parameters, a warning 1 signal is needed to avoid inappropriate customized exercise parameters from 2 being easily executed by the exercise apparatus (10), as the inappropriate 3 customized exercise parameters may result in an uncomfortable exercise.
4 Therefore, after the step of generating the manual operating command (109), following step may be further executed: generating a warning signal (1091). In 6 this step, the control unit (13) determines whether the user will feel 7 uncomfortable while the exercise apparatus is operated based on the manual 8 operating command. In other words, the control unit (13) determines whether the 9 customized exercise parameters are within a specific permissible range.
The permissible range is defined by the control unit (13) according to the personal 11 physical parameters entered by the user. And if out of the range, the control unit 12 (13) thus generates a warning signal before the exercise apparatus starts to be 13 operated.
14 With further reference to Fig. 4, the exercise apparatus is implemented as a vibration trainer (2). The vibration trainer (2) structurally comprises a 16 platform (20), a neck (21), a control panel (22) and a handle set (23).
17 The platform (20) has a top surface and an edge. The foregoing motive 18 power generating unit (14) is mounted inside the platform (20) and is 19 implemented as a motor set which brings vibrations to the top surface.
The neck (21) upwardly extends from the edge of the platform (20) and 21 has a top and two sides.
22 The control panel (22) is mounted upon the top of the neck (21). The 23 foregoing command input unit (12) and display unit (16) are both mounted on 24 the control panel (22). In this embodiment, the command input unit (12) is 1 implemented as multiple buttons and the display unit (16) is a liquid crystal 2 display module (LCM).
3 The handle set has two handles mounted and respectively extends from 4 the sides of the neck (21).
When using this vibration trainer, the user first presses the buttons of the 6 control panel (22) to enter his/her personal information such as height, weight, 7 age and gender. Then the user continues to select either the automatic operating 8 mode or the manual operating mode. Under the automatic operating mode, the 9 user further selects the exercise level (which relates to the value of amplitude of the vibration trainer (2) in this embodiment) and selects one of the preset training 11 programs (which may include time parameter, frequency parameter and posture 12 parameter). Under manual operating mode, the user enters customized exercise 13 parameters which may include amplitude parameter, frequency parameter, time 14 parameter and posture parameter as desired.
Thereafter, the vibration trainer starts to work, and in the meantime the 16 user may do exercise on the platform (20) and have his/her body like limbs, back 17 or hip to lie or put on the platform (20). The user thus gets sports effect during 18 the exercise with the vibration.
19 Besides, if the customized exercise parameters are out of a specific permissible range and may cause uncomfortable feelings during the exercise, the 21 display unit (16) will give a warning signal visually to warn the user.
22 With further reference to Fig. 5, while the vibration trainer (2) is started, 23 the display unit (16) will start to show a dynamic image or static image that 24 demonstrate's one exercising posture. The display unit (16) may further display 1 another image that indicates what kind of muscle groups the user may train.
2 With further reference to Figs. 6 and 7, the user follows the foregoing 3 image to do exercise on the vibration trainer (2). After a certain time, the display 4 unit (16) shows a next image sequentially, and the user changes his/her movement to follow the next image until the operating time of the mode is end.
6 To provide a suitable training strength for the users according to their 7 personal physical parameters in the automatic operating mode, each preset 8 training program corresponds to a specific permissible range of personal 9 physical parameters. When a preset training program is selected and the corresponding permissible range does not meet the previously entered personal 11 physical parameters, the exercise apparatus will only be operated with a suitable 12 training strength to make sure that the user can bear the whole training strength.
13 Hence, before generating an automatic operating command, following steps may 14 be executed:
determining whether the entered personal physical parameters are out of 16 a permissible range corresponding to the selected training program; and 17 providing certain suitable training strength by the exercise apparatus 18 when the personal physical parameters being out of the permissible range.
19 Taking the vibration trainer as an example, the user selects the exercise level and then selects one of the preset training programs under the automatic 21 operating mode. The exercise level relates to the value of amplitude of the 22 vibration trainer (2) and the selected preset training program includes a time 23 parameter, a frequency parameter and a posture parameter that respectively 24 corresponds to a time, a frequency and a posture. If the time is 15 seconds, the 1 frequency is 30 Hz and the posture is like the motions shown in Fig. 6, the 2 vibration trainer (2) will show the posture on the display unit (16) and perform a 3 30 Hz vibration for 15 seconds.
4 The said 15 seconds and 30 Hz thus correspond to a specific permissible range of personal physical parameters such as 45-60 kilograms, 150-165 1 6 centimeters, 18-30 year-old and regardless of gender. If the entered personal 7 physical parameters are out of the said permissible range, the vibration trainer (2) 8 thus automatically adjust the operating time to 10 seconds or the vibration 9 frequency to 25 Hz, or just reduce the vibration amplitude.
Even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the present 11 invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details 12 of the structure and function of the invention, the disclosure is illustrative only.
13 Changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size, and 14 arrangement of parts within the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended 16 claims are expressed.
8 2. Description of Related Art 9 A conventional exercise apparatus can provide different exercising or training modes that are preset by the producer. The conventional exercise 11 apparatus includes a motive power generating apparatus and a control circuit.
12 The control circuit controls the motive power generating apparatus to be 13 operated in different mechanical motion modes. For example, a treadmill has a 14 belt driven by a motor assembly. The motor assembly is controlled by a control circuit to increase or decrease it's revolutions, so as to change the slipping speed 16 of the belt. Thus when running on the belt, the user must adjust his/her running 17 speeds to accommodate the belt. The user then can experience different extents 18 of sports effect.
19 However, even thought the exercise apparatus is operated in the same training mode, users may have different sports effects due to their differences of 21 personal physical conditions.
22 The conventional exercise apparatus may further have a manual mode 23 that allows the user to create a customized training program, which is more 24 flexible than the preset modes. However, without the expert's assistance and teaching, users may incorrectly estimate their own physical conditions, create an inappropriate training program and be unable to have the best sports effect.
To overcome the shortcomings, the present invention provides an exercise apparatus and a control method thereof to mitigate or obviate the aforementioned problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an exercise apparatus and control method thereof that can provide a suitable range of training strength for users according to their physical conditions.
According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a control method of an exercise machine comprising: setting personal physical parameters in the exercise machine;
receiving a mode selection command; determining whether the exercise machine is operated in either an automatic operating mode or a manual operating mode; wherein when the exercise machine is determined to be operated in the automatic operating mode, the control method further comprises the steps of: receiving a program selection command and selecting one of multiple training programs being stored in the exercise machine;
generating an automatic operating command based on the personal physical parameters and the selected training program, characterized in that the control method further comprises:
determining whether entered personal physical parameters are out of a permissible range corresponding to the selected training program; and providing certain suitable training strength by the exercise machine when the personal physical parameters are out of the permissible range;
and outputting the automatic operating command to activate the exercise machine based on the automatic operating command.
According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided an exercise machine, comprising: a memory unit stored with multiple training programs, each of which provides a series of exercising postures; a command input unit for setting personal physical parameters, customized exercise parameters and receiving a mode selection command and a program selection command; a control unit connecting to the command input unit and the memory unit and receiving the personal physical parameters, the customized exercise parameters, the mode selection command or the program selection command from the command input unit, and giving a manual operating command or an automatic operating command to activate the exercise machine based on the personal physical parameters, the customized exercise parameters and the program selection command, characterized in that the automatic operating command is generated based on determining whether the entered personal physical parameters are out of a permissible range corresponding to the selected training program, and providing certain suitable training strength by the exercise machine when the personal physical parameters are out of the permissible range; a motive power generating unit connecting to the control unit through a connecting interface, receiving the operating commands of the control unit and being driven according to the received operating commands; and a power supply unit connecting to the control unit and providing electric power to the control unit.
The control method of an exercise apparatus in accordance with the present invention comprises:
setting personal physical parameters in the exercise apparatus;
receiving a mode selection command;
determining whether the exercise apparatus being operated in either an automatic operating mode or a manual operating mode;
entering the preset program operating mode;
receiving a program selection command and selecting one of multiple training programs being stored in the exercise apparatus;.
generating a automatic operating command based on the personal physical parameters and the selected training program; and outputting the automatic operating command to activate the exercise apparatus based on the automatic operating command.
With foregoing steps the exercise apparatus can adjust its training strength base on the entered personal physical parameters.
The exercise apparatus comprises a memory unit, a command input unit, a control unit, a motive power generating unit and a power supply unit. The memory unit has multiple training programs individually providing a series of exercising postures. The command input unit is for setting personal physical parameters, a customized exercise parameters as desired and entering a mode selection command and a program selection command. The control unit connects to the command input unit and the memory unit and receives the personal physical parameters, the customized exercise parameters, the mode selection command or the program selection command form the command input unit and gives a manual operating command or an automatic operating command to activate the exercise apparatus by comparing the personal physical parameters with the customized exercise parameters or with the program selection command. The motive power generating unit connects to the control 3a unit through a connecting interface, receives the operating command of the control unit and is driven according to the received commands. The power supply unit connects to the control unit and provides electric power to the control unit.
The memory unit further includes multiple posture display images respectively representing the exercising postures and being shown by the exercise apparatus visually.
The exercise apparatus further comprises a display Unit connecting to the control unit displaying one of the posture display images of the memory unit to demonstrate how the = exercising posture is practiced.
Other advantages and novel features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in 1 conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
3 Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an exercise apparatus in accordance with the 4 present invention;
Fig. 2 is a flowchart of the control method of the exercise apparatus in 6 accordance with the present invention;
7 Fig. 3 is another flowchart of the control method of the exercise 8 apparatus in accordance with the present invention;
9 Fig. 4 is perspective view of a preferred embodiment of an exercise apparatus in accordance with the present invention;
11 Fig. 5 is a vertical view of a control panel of the exercise apparatus in Fig.
12 4;
13 Fig. 6 is an operational front view of the exercise apparatus in Fig. 4;
and 14 Fig. 7 is an operational side view of the exercise apparatus in Fig. 4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
16 With reference to Fig. 1, an exercise apparatus (10) in accordance with 17 the present invention comprises a memory unit (11), a command input unit (12), 18 a control unit (13), a motive power generating unit (14), a power supply unit (15), 19 an optional display unit (16), an optional sound effect device (17), an optional communication interface (18) and an optional display interface (19).
21 The memory unit (11) stores with multiple training programs and 22 multiple posture display images. Each training program is preset and provides a 23 series of exercising postures and includes multiple parameter sets. Each 24 exercising posture corresponds to one parameter set. Each parameter set can 1 comprise a time parameter, a frequency parameter and a posture parameter.
The 2 time parameter defines an operating time of the exercise apparatus (10).
The 3 frequency parameter defines an operating frequency of the exercise apparatus 4 (10). The posture display images respectively correspond to the posture parameters and may be dynamic images or static images demonstrating the 6 exercising postures individually and are shown by the exercise apparatus (10) 7 visually.
8 The command input unit (12) is for a user to set personal physical 9 parameters and customized exercise parameters and to receive a mode selection command and a program selection command. The personal physical parameters 11 may include a weight parameter, a height parameter, an age parameter and a 12 gender parameter. The customized exercise parameters may include an 13 amplitude parameter, a time parameter, a frequency parameter and a posture 14 parameter. The amplitude parameter, the time parameter and the frequency parameter respectively represent an operating amplitude, an operating time and 16 an operating frequency of the exercise apparatus (10). Each posture parameter 17 corresponds to a posture display image stored in the memory unit (11).
18 According to the customized exercise parameters, the exercise apparatus (10) 19 will be operated for the operating time with the operating amplitude and the operating frequency, and will show the designated posture display image.
21 The control unit (13) connects to the command input unit (12) and the 22 memory unit (11), and receives the personal physical parameters, the customized 23 exercise parameters, the mode selection command or the program selection 24 command from the command input unit (12). Base on the mode selection 1 command, the control unit (13) generate a manual operating command or an 2 automatic operating command to activate the exercise apparatus (10) based on 3 the personal physical parameters, the customized exercise parameters, and the 4 program selection command.
The motive power generating unit (14) connects to the control unit (13) 6 through a connecting interface (141), receives the operating commands of the 7 control unit (13) and is activated according to the received operating commands.
8 The power supply unit (15) connects to the control unit (13) and 9 provides electric power to the control unit (10).
The display unit (16) connects to the control unit (13), displays the 11 posture display image to demonstrate how the exercising posture is practiced.
12 The sound effect device (17) connects to the control unit (13) and 13 generates a sound when the training program is started or finished.
14 The communication interface (18) connects to the control unit (13) and may be implemented as a wired RS-232 to USB connecting interface, an infrared 16 module, a RP module or a bluetooth data transfer module. An external electronic 17 device may link to the exercise apparatus (10) via the communication interface 18 (18).
19 The display interface (19) connects to the control unit (13) for connecting to an external monitor to showing the posture display images more 21 clearly.
22 With reference to Fig. 2, the control method of the exercise apparatus 23 comprises following steps of setting personal physical parameters (100), 24 receiving a mode selection command (101), determining to enter either an 1 automatic operating mode or a manual operating mode (102), entering the 2 automatic operating mode (103), receiving a program selection command (104), 3 generating an automatic operating command (105), outputting the automatic 4 operating command (106) and activating the exercise apparatus (10) (111).
In the step of setting personal physical parameters (100), one user sets 6 his/her own personal physical parameters. The personal physical parameters 7 include a weight parameter, a height parameter, an age parameter and a gender 8 parameter.
9 In the step of receiving a mode selection command (101), a mode selection command is input by the user to the control unit (13) via the command 11 input unit (12).
12 In the step of determining to enter either an automatic operating mode or =
13 a manual operating mode (102), the control unit (13) determines whether the 14 exercise apparatus should be operated in the automatic operating mode or the manual operating mode according to the mode selection command.
16 In the step of receiving a program selection command (104), the user 17 uses the command input unit (12) to enter a program selection command to the 18 control unit (13), the control unit (13) thus reads a training program 19 corresponding to the received program selection command.
In the step of generating an automatic operating command (105), the 21 control unit (13) compares the personal physical parameters with the training 22 program and accordingly generates the automatic operating command.
23 In the step of outputting the automatic operating command (106), the 24 control unit (13) outputs the automatic operating command to activate the 1 exercise apparatus (10).
2 With foregoing steps, the exercise apparatus can be activated.
3 Furthermore, in the step of determining to enter either the automatic 4 operating mode or the manual operating mode (102), if the exercise apparatus is determined by the control unit (13) to be operated in the manual operating mode, 6 following steps will be executed: entering the manual operating mode (107), 7 setting customized exercise parameters (108), generating a manual operating 8 command (109), outputting the manual operating command (110) and activating 9 the exercise apparatus (10).
In the step of setting customized exercise parameters (108), the user 11 enters customized exercise parameters to the control unit (13) via the command 12 input unit (12).
13 In the step of generating a manual operating command (109), the control 14 unit (13) generates the manual operating command according to the customized exercise parameters.
16 In the step of outputting the manual operating command (110), the 17 control unit (13) outputs the manual operating command and activate the 18 exercise apparatus (10) according to the manual operating command.
19 With further reference to Fig. 3, because in this embodiment the personal physical parameters include a weight parameter, a height parameter, an 21 age parameter and a gender parameter, thus the step of setting the personal 22 physical parameters (100) may further include following steps:
initializing 23 (1001), setting weight parameter (1002), setting height parameter (1003), setting 24 age parameter (1004) and setting gender parameter (1005).
1 The step of receiving a program selection command (104) may further 2 include following steps: selecting exercise level (1041) and selecting a training 3 program (1042).
4 The steps of receiving a mode selection command (101), determining to enter either an automatic operating mode or a manual operating mode (102), 6 entering the automatic operating mode (103) and entering the manual operating 7 mode (107) are organized into one step: selecting operating mode (1011).
8 In the step of selecting exercise level (1041), the user uses the command 9 input unit (12) to select and enter a specific preset amplitude parameter (which may be named as beginner level, medium level or advanced level) to the control 11 unit (13).
12 In the step of select a training program (1042), the user uses the 13 command input unit (12) to enter the program selection command to the control 14 unit (13) in order to select a preset training program.
In this embodiment, the foregoing customized exercise parameters 16 include an amplitude parameter, a time parameter, a frequency parameter and a 17 posture parameter and are executed to activate the exercise apparatus (10). The 18 exercise apparatus (10) can be operated with a certain amplitude and a certain 19 frequency during a certain time and show the posture display image.
Consequently, the step of setting customized exercise parameters (108) may 21 further includes following steps: setting amplitude parameter (1081), setting 22 time parameter (1082), setting frequency parameter (1083) and setting posture 23 parameter (1084).
24 Because any person can set customized exercise parameters, a warning 1 signal is needed to avoid inappropriate customized exercise parameters from 2 being easily executed by the exercise apparatus (10), as the inappropriate 3 customized exercise parameters may result in an uncomfortable exercise.
4 Therefore, after the step of generating the manual operating command (109), following step may be further executed: generating a warning signal (1091). In 6 this step, the control unit (13) determines whether the user will feel 7 uncomfortable while the exercise apparatus is operated based on the manual 8 operating command. In other words, the control unit (13) determines whether the 9 customized exercise parameters are within a specific permissible range.
The permissible range is defined by the control unit (13) according to the personal 11 physical parameters entered by the user. And if out of the range, the control unit 12 (13) thus generates a warning signal before the exercise apparatus starts to be 13 operated.
14 With further reference to Fig. 4, the exercise apparatus is implemented as a vibration trainer (2). The vibration trainer (2) structurally comprises a 16 platform (20), a neck (21), a control panel (22) and a handle set (23).
17 The platform (20) has a top surface and an edge. The foregoing motive 18 power generating unit (14) is mounted inside the platform (20) and is 19 implemented as a motor set which brings vibrations to the top surface.
The neck (21) upwardly extends from the edge of the platform (20) and 21 has a top and two sides.
22 The control panel (22) is mounted upon the top of the neck (21). The 23 foregoing command input unit (12) and display unit (16) are both mounted on 24 the control panel (22). In this embodiment, the command input unit (12) is 1 implemented as multiple buttons and the display unit (16) is a liquid crystal 2 display module (LCM).
3 The handle set has two handles mounted and respectively extends from 4 the sides of the neck (21).
When using this vibration trainer, the user first presses the buttons of the 6 control panel (22) to enter his/her personal information such as height, weight, 7 age and gender. Then the user continues to select either the automatic operating 8 mode or the manual operating mode. Under the automatic operating mode, the 9 user further selects the exercise level (which relates to the value of amplitude of the vibration trainer (2) in this embodiment) and selects one of the preset training 11 programs (which may include time parameter, frequency parameter and posture 12 parameter). Under manual operating mode, the user enters customized exercise 13 parameters which may include amplitude parameter, frequency parameter, time 14 parameter and posture parameter as desired.
Thereafter, the vibration trainer starts to work, and in the meantime the 16 user may do exercise on the platform (20) and have his/her body like limbs, back 17 or hip to lie or put on the platform (20). The user thus gets sports effect during 18 the exercise with the vibration.
19 Besides, if the customized exercise parameters are out of a specific permissible range and may cause uncomfortable feelings during the exercise, the 21 display unit (16) will give a warning signal visually to warn the user.
22 With further reference to Fig. 5, while the vibration trainer (2) is started, 23 the display unit (16) will start to show a dynamic image or static image that 24 demonstrate's one exercising posture. The display unit (16) may further display 1 another image that indicates what kind of muscle groups the user may train.
2 With further reference to Figs. 6 and 7, the user follows the foregoing 3 image to do exercise on the vibration trainer (2). After a certain time, the display 4 unit (16) shows a next image sequentially, and the user changes his/her movement to follow the next image until the operating time of the mode is end.
6 To provide a suitable training strength for the users according to their 7 personal physical parameters in the automatic operating mode, each preset 8 training program corresponds to a specific permissible range of personal 9 physical parameters. When a preset training program is selected and the corresponding permissible range does not meet the previously entered personal 11 physical parameters, the exercise apparatus will only be operated with a suitable 12 training strength to make sure that the user can bear the whole training strength.
13 Hence, before generating an automatic operating command, following steps may 14 be executed:
determining whether the entered personal physical parameters are out of 16 a permissible range corresponding to the selected training program; and 17 providing certain suitable training strength by the exercise apparatus 18 when the personal physical parameters being out of the permissible range.
19 Taking the vibration trainer as an example, the user selects the exercise level and then selects one of the preset training programs under the automatic 21 operating mode. The exercise level relates to the value of amplitude of the 22 vibration trainer (2) and the selected preset training program includes a time 23 parameter, a frequency parameter and a posture parameter that respectively 24 corresponds to a time, a frequency and a posture. If the time is 15 seconds, the 1 frequency is 30 Hz and the posture is like the motions shown in Fig. 6, the 2 vibration trainer (2) will show the posture on the display unit (16) and perform a 3 30 Hz vibration for 15 seconds.
4 The said 15 seconds and 30 Hz thus correspond to a specific permissible range of personal physical parameters such as 45-60 kilograms, 150-165 1 6 centimeters, 18-30 year-old and regardless of gender. If the entered personal 7 physical parameters are out of the said permissible range, the vibration trainer (2) 8 thus automatically adjust the operating time to 10 seconds or the vibration 9 frequency to 25 Hz, or just reduce the vibration amplitude.
Even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the present 11 invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details 12 of the structure and function of the invention, the disclosure is illustrative only.
13 Changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size, and 14 arrangement of parts within the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended 16 claims are expressed.
Claims (10)
1. An exercise machine, comprising:
a memory unit stored with multiple training programs, each of which provides a series of exercising postures;
a command input unit for setting personal physical parameters, customized exercise parameters and receiving a mode selection command and a program selection command;
a control unit connecting to the command input unit and the memory unit and receiving the personal physical parameters, the customized exercise parameters, the mode selection command or the program selection command from the command input unit, and giving a manual operating command or an automatic operating command to activate the exercise machine based on the personal physical parameters, the customized exercise parameters and the program selection command, characterized in that the automatic operating command is generated based on determining whether the entered personal physical parameters are out of a permissible range corresponding to the selected training program, and providing certain suitable training strength by the exercise machine when the personal physical parameters are out of the permissible range;
a motive power generating unit connecting to the control unit through a connecting interface, receiving the operating commands of the control unit and being driven according to the received operating commands; and a power supply unit connecting to the control unit and providing electric power to the control unit.
a memory unit stored with multiple training programs, each of which provides a series of exercising postures;
a command input unit for setting personal physical parameters, customized exercise parameters and receiving a mode selection command and a program selection command;
a control unit connecting to the command input unit and the memory unit and receiving the personal physical parameters, the customized exercise parameters, the mode selection command or the program selection command from the command input unit, and giving a manual operating command or an automatic operating command to activate the exercise machine based on the personal physical parameters, the customized exercise parameters and the program selection command, characterized in that the automatic operating command is generated based on determining whether the entered personal physical parameters are out of a permissible range corresponding to the selected training program, and providing certain suitable training strength by the exercise machine when the personal physical parameters are out of the permissible range;
a motive power generating unit connecting to the control unit through a connecting interface, receiving the operating commands of the control unit and being driven according to the received operating commands; and a power supply unit connecting to the control unit and providing electric power to the control unit.
2. The exercise machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the memory unit further stores with multiple posture display images respectively demonstrating the exercising postures and being shown by the exercise machine visually.
3. The exercise machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein each training program further includes multiple parameter sets respectively corresponding to the exercising postures, and each parameter set has a time parameter defining an operating time of the exercise machine; and a frequency parameter defining an operating frequency of the exercise machine.
4. The exercise machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the personal physical parameters further include a weight parameter, a height parameter, an age parameter and a gender parameter.
5. The exercise machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the customized exercise parameters further include an amplitude parameter representing an operating amplitude of the exercise machine;
a time parameter representing an operating time of the exercise machine (10);
and a frequency parameter representing an operating frequency of the exercise machine.
a time parameter representing an operating time of the exercise machine (10);
and a frequency parameter representing an operating frequency of the exercise machine.
6. The exercise machine as claimed in claim 2, wherein the exercise machine further comprises a display unit connected to the control unit and displaying one of the posture display images of the memory unit to demonstrate how the exercising posture is practiced.
7. The exercise machine as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the exercise machine further comprises a sound effect device connected to the control unit and generating a sound when the training program is started or finished.
8. The exercise machine as claimed in claim 7, wherein the exercise machine further comprises a communication interface connected to the control unit for linking to an external electronic device.
9. The exercise machine as claimed in claim 8, wherein the communication interface is a wired RS-232 to USB connecting interface, an infrared module, a RF module or a bluetooth data transfer module.
10. The exercise machine as claimed in claim 9, wherein the exercise machine further comprises a display interface connected to the control unit and for connecting to an external monitor so as to show the posture display image more clearly.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/CN2007/071303 WO2009079881A1 (en) | 2007-12-21 | 2007-12-21 | Exercise apparratus adapting individual physical ability and control method thereof |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2687166A1 CA2687166A1 (en) | 2009-07-02 |
| CA2687166C true CA2687166C (en) | 2013-08-13 |
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|---|---|---|---|
| CA2687166A Expired - Fee Related CA2687166C (en) | 2007-12-21 | 2007-12-21 | Exercise apparatus adapting individual physical ability and control method thereof |
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|---|---|
| AU (1) | AU2007362978B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2687166C (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2009079881A1 (en) |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5702323A (en) * | 1995-07-26 | 1997-12-30 | Poulton; Craig K. | Electronic exercise enhancer |
| US6050924A (en) * | 1997-04-28 | 2000-04-18 | Shea; Michael J. | Exercise system |
| JPH11253572A (en) * | 1998-03-09 | 1999-09-21 | Csk Corp | Practicing device for health improvement |
| JP2001314538A (en) * | 2000-05-02 | 2001-11-13 | Sewoo System Co Ltd | Control method for health enhancing apparatus through internet and health enhancing system using this method |
| JP4058317B2 (en) * | 2002-09-20 | 2008-03-05 | 株式会社タイトー | Walking exercise device |
| CN2708957Y (en) * | 2004-04-07 | 2005-07-13 | 金仪国际科技股份有限公司 | Panel control device for exercising apparatus with portable exercise management document |
| CN1733339A (en) * | 2005-07-07 | 2006-02-15 | 张家祥 | Body-building or medical equipment and method for controlling the same |
| US20070032345A1 (en) * | 2005-08-08 | 2007-02-08 | Ramanath Padmanabhan | Methods and apparatus for monitoring quality of service for an exercise machine communication network |
| JP4213722B2 (en) * | 2006-03-07 | 2009-01-21 | 株式会社コナミスポーツ＆ライフ | Training equipment |
| US20070219059A1 (en) * | 2006-03-17 | 2007-09-20 | Schwartz Mark H | Method and system for continuous monitoring and training of exercise |
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- 2007-12-21 AU AU2007362978A patent/AU2007362978B2/en not_active Ceased
- 2007-12-21 WO PCT/CN2007/071303 patent/WO2009079881A1/en active Application Filing
- 2007-12-21 CA CA2687166A patent/CA2687166C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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| WO2009079881A1 (en) | 2009-07-02 |
| AU2007362978B2 (en) | 2012-04-05 |
| CA2687166A1 (en) | 2009-07-02 |
| AU2007362978A1 (en) | 2009-07-02 |
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| EEER | Examination request | ||
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Effective date: 20151221 |