Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B6/00—Mats or the like for absorbing shocks for jumping, gymnastics or the like
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
  • A61B5/68—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient
  • A61B5/6887—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient mounted on external non-worn devices, e.g. non-medical devices
  • A61B5/6892—Mats
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
  • A63B21/40—Interfaces with the user related to strength training; Details thereof
  • A63B21/4027—Specific exercise interfaces
  • A63B21/4037—Exercise mats for personal use, with or without hand-grips or foot-grips, e.g. for Yoga or supine floor exercises
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B23/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body
  • A63B23/02—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for the abdomen, the spinal column or the torso muscles related to shoulders (e.g. chest muscles)
  • A63B23/0244—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for the abdomen, the spinal column or the torso muscles related to shoulders (e.g. chest muscles) with signalling or indicating means, e.g. of incorrect posture, for deep-breathing exercises
• • 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
  • A63B24/0087—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of groups A63B21/00 - A63B23/00, e.g. controlling load
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
  • H01H3/00—Mechanisms for operating contacts
  • H01H3/02—Operating parts, i.e. for operating driving mechanism by a mechanical force external to the switch
  • H01H3/14—Operating parts, i.e. for operating driving mechanism by a mechanical force external to the switch adapted for operation by a part of the human body other than the hand, e.g. by foot
  • H01H3/141—Cushion or mat switches
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B2562/00—Details of sensors; Constructional details of sensor housings or probes; Accessories for sensors
  • A61B2562/02—Details of sensors specially adapted for in-vivo measurements
  • A61B2562/0219—Inertial sensors, e.g. accelerometers, gyroscopes, tilt switches
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B2562/00—Details of sensors; Constructional details of sensor housings or probes; Accessories for sensors
  • A61B2562/02—Details of sensors specially adapted for in-vivo measurements
  • A61B2562/0252—Load cells
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B2562/00—Details of sensors; Constructional details of sensor housings or probes; Accessories for sensors
  • A61B2562/04—Arrangements of multiple sensors of the same type
  • A61B2562/046—Arrangements of multiple sensors of the same type in a matrix array
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
  • A61B5/68—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient
  • A61B5/6801—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient specially adapted to be attached to or worn on the body surface
  • A61B5/6802—Sensor mounted on worn items
  • A61B5/681—Wristwatch-type devices
• • 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
  • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
  • A61H2201/01—Constructive details
  • A61H2201/0119—Support for the device
  • A61H2201/0138—Support for the device incorporated in furniture
  • A61H2201/0142—Beds
• • 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
  • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
  • A61H2201/50—Control means thereof
  • A61H2201/5002—Means for controlling a set of similar massage devices acting in sequence at different locations on a patient
• • 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
  • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
  • A61H2201/50—Control means thereof
  • A61H2201/5007—Control means thereof computer controlled
• • 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
  • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
  • A61H2201/50—Control means thereof
  • A61H2201/5058—Sensors or detectors
  • A61H2201/5071—Pressure sensors
• • 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
  • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
  • A61H2201/50—Control means thereof
  • A61H2201/5058—Sensors or detectors
  • A61H2201/5076—Frequency sensors
• • 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
  • A61H23/00—Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms
  • A61H23/02—Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms with electric or magnetic drive
• • 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
  • A61H23/00—Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms
  • A61H23/02—Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms with electric or magnetic drive
  • A61H23/0254—Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms with electric or magnetic drive with rotary motor
  • A61H23/0263—Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms with electric or magnetic drive with rotary motor using rotating unbalanced masses
• • 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
  • A63B24/0062—Monitoring athletic performances, e.g. for determining the work of a user on an exercise apparatus, the completed jogging or cycling distance
  • A63B2024/0068—Comparison to target or threshold, previous performance or not real time comparison to other individuals
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
  • A63B71/06—Indicating or scoring devices for games or players, or for other sports activities
  • A63B71/0619—Displays, user interfaces and indicating devices, specially adapted for sport equipment, e.g. display mounted on treadmills
  • A63B2071/0655—Tactile feedback
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
  • A63B21/16—Supports for anchoring force-resisters
  • A63B21/1618—Supports for anchoring force-resisters on a door or a door frame
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
  • A63B21/40—Interfaces with the user related to strength training; Details thereof
  • A63B21/4027—Specific exercise interfaces
  • A63B21/4029—Benches specifically adapted for exercising
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
  • A63B2220/10—Positions
  • A63B2220/13—Relative positions
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
  • A63B2220/50—Force related parameters
  • A63B2220/56—Pressure
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
  • A63B2220/80—Special sensors, transducers or devices therefor
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
  • A63B2220/80—Special sensors, transducers or devices therefor
  • A63B2220/803—Motion sensors
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
  • A63B2220/80—Special sensors, transducers or devices therefor
  • A63B2220/83—Special sensors, transducers or devices therefor characterised by the position of the sensor
  • A63B2220/833—Sensors arranged on the exercise apparatus or sports implement
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
  • A63B2220/80—Special sensors, transducers or devices therefor
  • A63B2220/83—Special sensors, transducers or devices therefor characterised by the position of the sensor
  • A63B2220/836—Sensors arranged on the body of the user
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B2225/00—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment
  • A63B2225/20—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment with means for remote communication, e.g. internet or the like
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B2225/00—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment
  • A63B2225/50—Wireless data transmission, e.g. by radio transmitters or telemetry
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B23/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body
  • A63B23/02—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for the abdomen, the spinal column or the torso muscles related to shoulders (e.g. chest muscles)
  • A63B23/0205—Abdomen
  • A63B23/0211—Abdomen moving torso with immobilized lower limbs
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B23/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body
  • A63B23/02—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for the abdomen, the spinal column or the torso muscles related to shoulders (e.g. chest muscles)
  • A63B23/0233—Muscles of the back, e.g. by an extension of the body against a resistance, reverse crunch

Definitions

• the present invention relates to an exercise mat and to a method of operating the mat; more particularly, to a tactile exercise mat comprising controllable actuators.
• a tactile exercise mat which comprises a plurality of actuators distributed therein and a controller adapted to control the plurality of actuators, wherein the controller accesses predefined actuator configurations defining exercise configurations for one or more users, and wherein one or more actuators of the plurality of actuators is controlled in accordance with the predefined actuator configurations.
• the tactile exercise mat adds the functionality of tactile stimulation to a conventional exercise mat, by use of an arrangement of actuators distributed therein.
• Such functionality provides guidance to users throughout an exercise without the need for any outside assistance.
• the guidance is provided in a way so there no need for the user to place the head or other body parts in a position which may counteract the performance of the exercise.
• the tactile exercise mat further comprises one or more sensors (e.g., pressure sensors) distributed therein and communicatively connected to the controller.
• sensors e.g., pressure sensors
• Such sensors are able to retrieve useful information (e.g., the number, the size and the position of the one or more users using the mat), which can be used to adjust the tactile stimulation accordingly, as well as in connection with providing feedback as to the progress and general conductance of the exercise.
• the tactile exercise mat further comprises one or more light emitting elements (e.g., LEDs).
• LEDs light emitting elements
• the present invention relates to a method of operating the tactile exercise mat in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, wherein the exercise configurations correlate an area on the exercise mat with a body part of the user, and wherein the exercise mat is operated by actuating an actuator in the area of the exercise mat correlated to the body part in accordance with the exercise configuration.
• Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of a tactile exercise mat
• Figs. 2A - 2C show three examples of exercises
• Figs. 3A - 3C are schematic illustrations of actuator configurations correlated to different exercises.
• Fig. 4 is a flow chart illustrating embodiments of operating a tactile exercise mat.
• Embodiments of a tactile exercise mat are disclosed in the following.
• Fig. 1 illustrates a tactile exercise mat 1 comprising a plurality of actuators 2 distributed therein.
• a controller (not shown) is adapted to control the plurality of actuators by accessing predefined actuator configurations, the latter being derived from exercise configurations.
• An exercise configuration correlates an area on the mat with a body part of the user, which shall be either moved or kept on the mat according to the exercise to be performed, and the timing of such actions.
• the tactile exercise mat is operated by actuating an actuator in the area of the mat correlated to the body part to be moved or kept on the mat in accordance with the exercise configuration.
• the actuators need not be continuously active, but may be activated according to the rhythm of the exercise.
• the tactile exercise mat provides therefore guidance to the user throughout an exercise by means of tactile instructions, without the need for outside assistance or substantial experience. Indeed, the user can feel what he should do thanks to the tactile stimuli generated by the mat.
• the use of tactile stimulation is particularly useful for, but not limited to, exercises during which the user is not watching the exercise mat, or cannot easily check whether certain body parts (e.g., lower part of the back) are or are not touching the mat.
• Fig. 1 further illustrates sensors 3 and light emitting elements 4; these will be further explained below.
• Fig. 2 depicts users carrying out three exercise configurations: the “crunch” (Fig. 2A), the “shoulder bridge” (Fig. 2B) and the “superman” (Fig. 2C), respectively.
• the "crunch” Fig. 2A
• the "shoulder bridge” Fig. 2B
• the “superman” Fig. 2C
• this choice is in no way intended to limit the scope of the present invention, as indeed many other types of exercises may be contemplated (e.g., conventional sit ups, leg raises lying supine with knees bent or straight, hanging leg raises, pelvic tilts, exercises using abdominal sit up machines, etc.).
• the exercise configuration should reflect that and convey to the user to keep the back and the feet on the mat, while lifting the head and the shoulders.
• the shoulders at the end of each repetition, shall rest on the mat.
• the exercise configuration could specify that the rows of actuators in the head and shoulder area of the user may be activated, such as the three rows indicated with reference numeral 6 (see Fig. 3A). Since the head should be lifted from the mat during the entire set, the actuators in the head area may be continuously active.
• a simplified exemplary exercise configuration related to the "crunch" could specify:
• Fig. 2B the “bridge”
• the user shall keep the head, the shoulders and the feet on the mat, while lifting the back. Accordingly, the rows of actuators 7 in the back area of the user may be activated (see Fig. 3B).
• Fig. 2C the “superman”
• the user shall keep the belly on the mat, while lifting the rest of the body. Accordingly, the rows of actuators 8 and 9 in those areas of the user may be activated (see Fig. 3C).
• other activation configurations are possible, where, for example, instead of moving the body part being stimulated, the user could keep it on the tactile exercise mat 1.
• the controller may be programmed with exercise configurations and their corresponding actuator configurations.
• the controller may comprise a storage means (e.g., a small memory chip), where it stores such predefined actuator configurations in a database.
• the controller may access such configurations from a server on the Internet, where it can also download possible updates.
• a user may select a given exercise configuration via the controller (e.g., manually, vocally, etc.), which may in embodiments be integrated with the tactile exercise mat 1 or may be detached but wired or wirelessly connected to that. In the latter cases, the controller may communicate with the tactile exercise mat 1 by means of any suitable type of wired or wireless medium using any suitable bandwidth.
• actuators particularly suited for the present invention are pancake-shaped excenter rotating-mass motors, which are lightweight, thin and inexpensive. Nevertheless, any other type of actuator may be used consistent with the tactile exercise mat 1, such as vibrating-eccentric mass motors (EMC), heaters (e.g., resistive elements), coolers (e.g., peltier elements), electroactive polymers, Transcutaneous Electro Nerve Stimulation (TENS), piezo actuators, shape memory alloys, etc.
• EMC vibrating-eccentric mass motors
• heaters e.g., resistive elements
• coolers e.g., peltier elements
• electroactive polymers e.g., electroactive polymers
• TESS Transcutaneous Electro Nerve Stimulation
• shape memory alloys e.g., shape memory alloys, etc.
• the tactile exercise mat 1 further comprises one or more sensors 3 (cf. Fig. 1) distributed therein and adapted to monitor the execution of the exercises, such as the number of repetitions done.
• the one or more sensors are communicatively connected to the controller, which is adapted to compare their readings to the predefined actuator configurations.
• the result of such a comparison may be a difference measure, which is outputted to the user in order to provide feedback on the percentage of exercise correctly carried out. For example, when an exercise has been performed 100% correctly, all actuators may be briefly activated (together, or gradually by starting from the feet and ending at the head); when an exercise has been done 50% correctly, instead, only half of the actuators may be briefly activated.
• the one or more sensors 3 are adapted to determine the number, position and size of the one or more users on the tactile exercise mat 1 and input such information to the controller so as to control the plurality of actuators 2, 6, 7, 8, 9 in accordance therewith.
• the one or more sensors may be used to determine an area on the mat which is in contact with the user(s). They may be used, for example, to determine the number of users laying on or sitting on the mat, their positions and sizes (e.g., for small persons the areas for the feet and the head will be closer to each other than for tall persons). This information may be inputted in the controller so as to control the plurality of actuators in response to the detected number, positions and sizes of the one or more users.
• the one or more sensors 3 are not comprised in the tactile exercise mat 1 but attached to body parts of the user carrying out the exercise; that could be the case, for example, of a person having a sensor (e.g., an accelerometer) attached to his wrist or other body parts while carrying out the crunch exercise, where the acceleration data from that sensor provides information on the number of repetitions done.
• a sensor e.g., an accelerometer
• sensors are pressure sensors, light sensors, accelerometers, proximity sensors, force sensors (e.g., piezo polymers, ceramic strain gauges, etc.), force and position-sensing resistors, pyroelectric, passive infrared sensors, binary "on/off sensors, etc.
• proximity sensors tailored for the range of applications within the scope of the present invention are optical sensors, capacitive sensors, inductive sensors and infrared reflection sensors.
• the tactile exercise mat 1 further comprises light emitting elements 4 (e.g., LEDs) (cf. Fig.
• the light emitting element may be in the form of a display field, such as a flexible display, which could be incorporated into the mat.
• the tactile exercise mat comprises both sensors and light emitting elements additional functionalities may be offered.
• the one or more sensors 3 may be used to determine the user's shoulder width; later, when the user has to carry out an exercise where the hands should be placed on the mat at the shoulder's width, light patterns may indicate where he should position his hands. Therefore, the tactile exercise mat provides the user a rich yet natural way of receiving guidance and feedback.
• the circuitry in the tactile exercise mat 1 may be bendable circuitry, so that the mat can be flexible, and it can be rolled and unrolled, thus being easier and more convenient to store and transport.
• the tactile exercise mat 1 may be fabricated from any suitable material, such as rubber and foam.
• tactile exercise mat 1 as shown in Fig. 1 is rectangular in shape, one skilled in the art would realize that various other shapes could be used (e.g., polyhedron, square, circle, semi-circle, oval, etc.).
• the tactile exercise mat 1 may have any suitable dimension. For example, if used for carrying out stretching exercises, it could be dimensioned such that any user could be comfortably sitting or laying on it. In embodiments, the present invention could also be dimensioned such that it could be used by more than one user at the same time, e.g., during an exercise class in a fitness center.
• the tactile exercise mat 1 may be used on horizontal surfaces (e.g., floors), inclined surfaces (e.g., benches for exercising abdominals), surfaces presenting different angular inclinations in different sections of their support structure (e.g., chairs), on curved surfaces, etc.
• the mat may be provided with one or more attachment devices such as a hook or a clamp, which allow the apparatus to be affixed to a vertical surface (e.g., a door).
• the present invention can also be incorporated into another object such as an exercise bench, a bed, etc.
• the tactile exercise mat 1 may be provided with graphics, such as a stylized representation of the human body 5 (cf. Fig. 3), to facilitate the orientation of a user with respect to the mat surface.
• graphics such as a stylized representation of the human body 5 (cf. Fig. 3), to facilitate the orientation of a user with respect to the mat surface.
• the tactile exercise mat 1 may be powered by any suitable source of energy such as a battery system (e.g., internal/external single or multiple battery packs), an electrical outlet (e.g., a wall socket, an automobile cigarette lighter plug, etc.), solar cells, a small generator, and so forth.
• a battery system e.g., internal/external single or multiple battery packs
• an electrical outlet e.g., a wall socket, an automobile cigarette lighter plug, etc.
• solar cells e.g., a small generator, and so forth.
• media components e.g., VHSs, CDs, DVDs, Blue-Ray discs, etc.
• Fig. 4 shows a flow chart 10 illustrating embodiments of operating a tactile exercise mat, wherein the exercise configurations correlate an area on the exercise mat with a body part of the user, and wherein the tactile exercise mat is operated by actuating an actuator in the area of the tactile exercise mat correlated to the body part in accordance with the exercise configuration.
• Fig. 4 illustrates the situation where the tactile exercise mat further comprises one or more sensors.
• An exemplary implementation of the functioning of a tactile exercise mat may comprise the following steps:
• the invention can be implemented in any suitable form including hardware, software, firmware or any combination of these.
• the invention or some features of the invention can be implemented as computer software running on one or more data processors and/or digital signal processors.
• the elements and components of an embodiment of the invention may be physically, functionally and logically implemented in any suitable way.
• the functionality may be implemented in a single unit, in a plurality of units or as part of other functional units.
• the invention may be implemented in a single unit, or may be physically and functionally distributed between different units and processors.

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• 2010
  • 2010-05-04 EP EP10726222A patent/EP2432442A1/en not_active Withdrawn
  • 2010-05-04 US US13/320,693 patent/US20120058861A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2010-05-04 CN CN2010800221019A patent/CN102481227A/zh active Pending
  • 2010-05-04 WO PCT/IB2010/051944 patent/WO2010133988A1/en active Application Filing

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