U.S. patent application number 11/389875 was filed with the patent office on 2007-09-27 for integrated tilting display for exercise equipment consoles.
Invention is credited to Peter Schenk.
Application Number | 20070225119 11/389875 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38534203 |
Filed Date | 2007-09-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070225119 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schenk; Peter |
September 27, 2007 |
Integrated tilting display for exercise equipment consoles
Abstract
An exercise console is disclosed as including a housing and a
display incorporated into the housing. The display is adapted to
align substantially parallel to the top surface of the housing. A
tilt mechanism connects the display to the housing and is operable
by a user to tilt the display to a nonparallel angle with respect
to the housing. In another aspect in accordance with the invention,
the exercise console includes a substantially fixed array of
buttons incorporated into the housing. The buttons provide to a
user various input options which are selectable in a pre-determined
sequence by operation of the buttons to program the exercise
console. Various indicators are associated with the buttons and
inform the user which input options are next available for
selection after the user has selected one or more input
options.
Inventors: |
Schenk; Peter; (Park City,
UT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PATE PIERCE & BAIRD
215 SOUTH STATE STREET, SUITE 550
PARKSIDE TOWER
SALT LAKE CITY
UT
84111
US
|
Family ID: |
38534203 |
Appl. No.: |
11/389875 |
Filed: |
March 27, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/4 ;
482/902 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G09F 9/30 20130101; A63B
21/00 20130101; A63B 24/00 20130101; A63B 22/00 20130101; A63B
23/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/004 ;
482/902 |
International
Class: |
A63B 24/00 20060101
A63B024/00 |
Claims
1. An exercise console comprising: a housing having a top surface;
a display incorporated into the housing and adapted to align
substantially parallel to the top surface; and a tilt mechanism
connecting the display to the housing and operable by a user to
tilt the display to a nonparallel angle with respect to the
housing.
2. The exercise console of claim 1, wherein the tilt mechanism is
selected from a hinge, a pin, a slide, and a land with a
groove.
3. The exercise console of claim 2, wherein the tilt mechanism
tilts the display with respect to a single axis of rotation.
4. The exercise console of claim 2, wherein the tilt mechanism
tilts the display with respect to multiple axes of rotation.
5. The exercise console of claim 1, further comprising an
adjustment mechanism to adjust the angle of the display with
respect to the housing.
6. The exercise console of claim 5, wherein the adjustment
mechanism is continuously adjustable between a first position and a
second position.
7. The exercise console of claim 5, wherein the adjustment
mechanism is adjustable at discrete intervals between a first
position and a second position.
8. The exercise console of claim 1, wherein the housing is rigidly
mounted to an exercise machine.
9. The exercise console of claim 1, wherein the display is selected
from the group consisting of a light emitting diode (LED) display,
a liquid crystal display (LCD), a touchscreen, a plasma display, a
cathode ray tube (CRT) display, and a digital light processing
(DLP) display.
10. The exercise console of claim 1, further comprising a handle
integrated into the display to facilitate gripping and tilting
thereof by a user.
11. A method for displaying exercise and entertainment content to a
user while exercising, the method comprising: providing a housing
having a top surface; incorporating a display into the housing, the
display aligning substantially parallel to the top surface; and
connecting the display to the housing with a tilt mechanism, the
tilt mechanism operable by a user to tilt the display to a
nonparallel angle with respect to the housing.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the tilt mechanism is selected
from a hinge, a pin, a slide, and a land with a groove.
13. The method of claim 12, further comprising tilting the display
about a single axis of rotation.
14. The method of claim 12, further comprising tilting the display
about multiple axes of rotation.
15. The method of claim 11, further comprising continuously
adjusting the angle of the display with respect to the housing
between a first position and a second position.
16. The method of claim 11, further comprising adjusting the angle
of the display with respect to the housing in discrete intervals
between a first position and a second position.
17. The method of claim 11, further comprising rigidly mounting the
housing to an exercise machine.
18. The method of claim 11, wherein the display is selected from
the group consisting of a light emitting diode (LED) display, a
liquid crystal display (LCD), a touchscreen, a plasma display, a
cathode ray tube (CRT) display, and a digital light processing
(DLP) display.
19. The method of claim 11, further comprising integrating a handle
into the display to facilitate gripping and tilting thereof by a
user.
20. An apparatus comprising: an exercise machine; an exercise
console rigidly mounted to the exercise machine, the exercise
console comprising: a housing having a top surface; a display
incorporated into the housing and adapted to align substantially
parallel to the top surface, the display and housing comprising a
single integrated unit; and a tilt mechanism connecting the display
to the housing and operable by a user to tilt the display to a
nonparallel angle with respect to the housing.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. The Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to exercise equipment and more
particularly to display and control consoles for exercise equipment
such as treadmills and stationary bicycles.
[0003] 2. Background
[0004] As in other industries, designers in the exercise equipment
industry face challenges if they try to incorporate modem
technological advances into traditional exercise equipment, which
may include, for example, stationary bicycles, treadmills,
elliptical machines, rowing machines, stair climbers, nautilus
machines, and the like. Compared to relatively simple devices of
the past, modem exercise devices now could incorporate many
sophisticated computers and electronics but must often deal with
the position and posture dictated by the user and the activity.
Technology could enable a user to perform tasks such as tailoring
an exercise program to a user's fitness level, selecting a
preferred training method, adjusting a device to a user's weight,
controlling speed, monitoring body functions, adjusting resistance,
and the like. Moreover, modem exercise devices could allow a user
to track and monitor a user's progress on the device while
exercising. However, access, visibility, and interaction need to be
compatible with a user and not a distraction or a burden.
[0005] Typically, a control console provides the primary means of
interaction between a user and a functional device. An exercise
console may include input devices, such as keypads, keyboards,
buttons, or the like, to receive user input and thereby allow a
user to program and control an exercise device. An exercise console
may also include a display device to display pertinent information,
such as workout progress, program settings, speed, resistance
levels, and the like. For example, light emitting diode ("LED")
displays have been used in various devices to display information.
Such LED displays often include arrays or other arrangements of
LEDs and provide a bright, low-power solution for displaying
information. However, LED displays are limited by low resolution
and very few available colors.
[0006] More recently, newer displays, such as liquid crystal
displays ("LCDs"), offer higher resolutions and greater arrays of
available colors. Moreover, LCDs could be used to display
entertainment, such as television, movies, music videos, and the
like, in addition to workout information. Nevertheless, LCDs also
have their drawbacks. For example, LCDs may be significantly more
expensive than LED displays, less bright, less contrasting, more
subject to glare, and subject to a much narrower viewing angle.
[0007] Problems with the viewing angle may be especially pronounced
in exercise devices used at gyms, where patrons of different
heights may use the same device. For example if a separate pivoting
LCD were attached to the top of an exercise console, this
configuration would be expensive, cumbersome, require multiple
components, and obstruct a user's field of view. This could also
affect the affordability and market competitiveness of an exercise
device in an industry where there are significant pressures to keep
costs low.
[0008] Another problem with modem processor-based equipment and
controllers, including exercise consoles, is the learning curve
often needed to operate and use such devices. It is difficult for
users to learn how to use the unique programming scheme, let alone
recall it when needed. That is, as the sophistication of control
consoles increases, the complexity of operation often likewise
increases. Where buttons are provided on the exercise console, it
may be time-consuming for a user to determine which buttons to push
and the order in which to push them. Furthermore, a user may not
have the time or patience to read and refer repeatedly to a user
manual. Likewise, using exercise time to read through instructions
printed in a small font at an awkward distance on the device or an
associated exercise console may be considered a waste. This can be
especially frustrating for the technologically challenged or phobic
or the user who switches between different exercise devices at a
club. This may also discourage some from exercising at all due to
the inconvenience involved in getting a device to serve them.
[0009] In view of the foregoing, what is needed is an exercise
console that takes advantage of newer LCD technology, while
avoiding many of the shortcomings discussed herein. Specifically,
an exercise console is needed that can incorporate LCD technology
while accommodating users of different heights. Such a device would
ideally be inexpensive, simple, and adaptable to accommodate a
user's field of view.
[0010] Further needed are apparatus and methods for reducing the
learning curve needed to operate and use many exercise consoles.
Where buttons are used on an exercise console, apparatus and
methods are needed for quickly indicating to a user which buttons
to push and the order to push them. Such apparatus and methods
would ideally minimize the amount of time and reading needed to
program and operate a device and accommodate the technologically
inexperienced, challenged, or phobic.
BRIEF SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0011] Consistent with the foregoing, and in accordance with the
invention as embodied and broadly described herein, an exercise
console is disclosed in one embodiment in accordance with the
invention as including a housing and a display incorporated into
the housing. The display is adapted to align substantially parallel
to the top surface of the housing. A tilt mechanism connects the
display to the housing and is operable by a user to tilt the
display to a nonparallel angle with respect to the housing.
[0012] The tilt mechanism may incorporate a number of different
structures to provide the tilting function including, for example,
a hinge, a pin, a slide, a land, or the like. Similarly, in
selected embodiments, the tilt mechanism may tilt the display about
a single axis of rotation. In other embodiments, the tilt mechanism
may tilt the display about multiple axes of rotation. In certain
embodiments, the exercise console may also include an adjustment
mechanism to adjust the angle of the display with respect to the
housing. This adjustment mechanism may be continuously adjustable
between various positions, or alternatively, be adjustable at
discrete positions. The exercise console may also include a handle
integrated into the display to facilitate tilting by a user.
[0013] In another aspect of an embodiment in accordance with the
invention, a method for displaying exercise and entertainment
content to a user includes providing a housing and incorporating a
display into the housing. The display aligns substantially parallel
to the top surface of the housing. The method further includes
connecting the display to the housing by way of a tilt mechanism.
The tilt mechanism is operable by a user to tilt the display to a
nonparallel angle with respect to the housing. The nonparallel
angle may be completely arbitrary, continuously variable, or
discrete and at the option of a user.
[0014] In another aspect of an embodiment in accordance with the
invention, a method for guiding a user through programming steps of
an exercise console includes providing a substantially fixed array
of buttons for interaction with a user. The buttons provide various
input options to the user, selectable in a pre-determined sequence
by operation of the buttons to program an exercise console. The
method further includes selecting, by the user, one or more input
options from the several input options. The method then determines
which input options are available for selection by the user after
selection of the one or more input options. Once this determination
is made, the method then automatically indicates to the user which
buttons and associated input options are next available for
selection.
[0015] In another aspect of an embodiment in accordance with the
invention, an exercise console includes a housing and a
substantially fixed array of buttons incorporated into the housing.
The buttons provide a user various input options which are
selectable in a pre-determined sequence by operation of the
buttons. The selected sequence of input options are used to program
the exercise console. Various indicators are associated with the
buttons and inform the user which input options are next available
for selection after the user has selected one or more input
options.
[0016] The indicators may include, for example, lights, sounds, or
changing colors to indicate which input options are available for
selection. Where lights are used, the lights may be LEDs and may be
flashing to get the user's attention. In certain embodiments, the
lights may be located substantially behind the buttons (i.e.,
backlighting the buttons), projecting through the buttons, beside
them, or illuminating the front. Buttons may be opaque,
translucent, transparent, reflective, or the like. In certain
embodiments, the exercise console may be configured to wait a
specified period to allow a user to select one of the input
options. If the user does not act within the specified period, the
exercise console may be configured to modify the input options
available for next selection.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The foregoing and other objects and features of the present
invention will become more fully apparent from the following
description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict
only typical embodiments in accordance with the invention and are,
therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the
invention will be described with additional specificity and detail
through use of the accompanying drawings in which:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an
exercise device in accordance with the invention;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an
exercise console incorporating an integrated tilting display in
accordance with the invention;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the exercise console
illustrated in FIG. 2 with the display in a tilted position with
respect to the top surface of the console;
[0021] FIGS. 4A through 4D are side elevation views of different
embodiments of tilting displays in accordance with the
invention;
[0022] FIG. 5A is a side elevation view of one embodiment of an
angle adjustment mechanism for use with an integrated tilting
display in accordance with the invention;
[0023] FIG. 5B is a cutaway cross-sectional view of the angle
adjustment mechanism illustrated in FIG. 5A;
[0024] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of an exercise console with an
integrated tilting display in accordance with the invention;
[0025] FIGS. 7A through 7D are schematic block diagrams
illustrating one embodiment of a method for using backlit buttons
to guide a user through programming steps of an exercise
console;
[0026] FIGS. 8A through 8D are schematic block diagrams
illustrating additional details of a method for using backlit
buttons to guide a user through programming steps of an exercise
console;
[0027] FIG. 9 is a high-level schematic block diagram showing one
embodiment of electronic hardware components used to implement a
method for guiding a user through programming steps of an exercise
console; and
[0028] FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a
process for guiding a user through programming steps of an exercise
console in accordance with the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0029] It will be readily understood that the components of the
present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the
Figures herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of
different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed
description of the embodiments of apparatus and methods in
accordance with the present invention, as represented in the
Figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as
claimed, but is merely representative of certain examples of
presently contemplated embodiments in accordance with the
invention. The presently described embodiments will be best
understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are
designated by like numerals throughout.
[0030] Referring to FIG. 1, an exercise device 10 in accordance
with the invention may include a frame 12, or other structure 12,
and an exercise console 14 substantially rigidly attached to the
frame 12. As previously mentioned, an exercise console 14 typically
enables a user to perform tasks such as to program, control, and
monitor progress on an exercise device 10. Although illustrated as
a stationary bicycle in this example, an exercise device 10 in
accordance with the invention may include a wide variety of
different devices, including but not limited to stationary
bicycles, treadmills, elliptical machines, rowing machines,
climbing machines, stair-climbing machines, nautilus machines,
stretching machines, and the like. Thus, an exercise console 14, as
described herein, may be used with a wide variety of different
exercise devices 10 and not the just the illustrated device 10.
[0031] To keep costs down and improve the quality of the end
product, exercise devices 10, like many other devices, may be mass
produced. Thus, each device 10 may be substantially identical,
although some characteristics, such as seat height 16 in this
example, may be adjusted to accommodate users of different heights
and sizes. Nevertheless, each user may still interact with the
device 10 differently. For example, users of different heights may
view the exercise console 14 of a device 10 from a range 18 of
different angles. While this may not cause problems with LED
displays, this may limit the ability to view newer types of
displays, such as LCDs, which may be more subject to glare and have
a narrower viewing angle.
[0032] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, in certain embodiments, an
exercise console 14 in accordance with the invention may include a
housing 20 and a display 22 integrated into the housing 20. The
display 22 may be used to display a wide variety of information,
including but not limited to a user's workout program, the current
speed of a device 10, the distance a user has theoretically
traveled on the device 10, the time a user has been working out,
body functions (e.g., heart rate) of a user, resistance levels of a
device 10, or energy expended, to name just a few. For the purposes
of this description, the term "display" is used to mean not only a
display screen 23, such as an LCD screen, but also any area 24,
frame 24, or the like surrounding a display screen 23. This area 24
may, in certain embodiments, include other display elements
including but not limited to LEDs 26, written materials, seven
segment LED displays 28, or the like.
[0033] The exercise console 14 may also include an array of buttons
30 incorporated into the housing 20. For the purposes of this
description, the term "button" means any type of physical button,
including but not limited to keys on a keyboard or keypad,
switches, or buttons incorporated into a housing of equipment. The
buttons 30 may provide various input options to a user which may be
selectable in a pre-determined sequence to program the exercise
console 14.
[0034] In accordance with the invention, a display 22 may
independently tilt with respect to the housing 20 to accommodate
users of different heights or positions. For example, in one
contemplated embodiment, the display 22 may sit within a recess or
void formed in the housing 20. In a stored position, the display 22
may reside substantially parallel to a top surface of the housing
20, as illustrated in FIG. 2. In an extended position, the display
22 may tilt to a non-parallel position with respect to the top
surface of the housing 20, as illustrated in FIG. 3. In certain
embodiments, a handle 32 such as a tab or flange may be integrated
into the display 22 to facilitate tilting by a user.
[0035] By adjusting the angle of the display 22 appropriately, the
display 22 may be adjusted to accommodate most, if not all, users.
Moreover, as will be explained in more detail hereafter, an
adjustment mechanism may be provided to allow the display 22 to be
adjusted continuously to any intermediate position between a stored
position and an extended position. Alternatively, the display 22
may be adjusted to discrete positions between a stored position and
an extended position.
[0036] The tilting display illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 provides
various significant advantages over other systems. For example,
because the display 22 is integrated into the housing 20, the
console 14 may be manufactured as a single component or assembly.
This may reduce costs compared to systems where a separate LCD or
other display is mounted to the top of the exercise console 14 or
the exercise device 10. Furthermore, the integrated design of the
display 22 preserves a user's field of vision around the exercise
device 10 compared to systems where a separate LCD or other display
is mounted to the top of the exercise console 14, obstructing
vision. The integrated display 22 also provides a compact and
attractive design compared to other alternatives. Furthermore, the
tilting display 22 also allows the housing 20 to be rigidly mounted
to the frame 12 or other structure 12 of the exercise device 10.
This allows the buttons 30 to remain substantially stationary even
while the display 22 tilts to different angles.
[0037] The tilting nature of the display 22 may be used to
significantly improve the visibility of content displayed on newer
display screens 23, such as LCD screens 23, that are integrated
into the display 22. This greatly improves the utility of the
display 22 and may be used to increase the amounts and types of
content displayed to a user. For example, in addition to workout
information, an LCD screen 23 may be used to display entertainment,
such as digital video, cable or over-the-air television, music
videos, news, or many other types of video content. In certain
embodiments, both entertainment and workout information may be
displayed simultaneously or a user may toggle between different
kinds of content.
[0038] Referring to FIG. 4A, in one embodiment, a display 22 in
accordance with the invention may tilt with respect to the housing
20 using a hinge 32. The hinge 32 may be hidden from view inside
the housing 20 and may be monolithically formed as part of the
display 22, the housing 20, or a combination thereof. In its stored
position, the display 22 may reside in a recess 34 formed in the
housing 20 and a top surface 36 of the display 22 may sit
substantially parallel with the top surface 38 of the housing 20.
In certain embodiments, the top surface 36 may also fit
substantially flush with the top surface 38 of the housing 20 when
in the stored position.
[0039] Because the display 22 may sweep over a substantially
circular path as it pivots about the hinge 32, in certain
embodiments, the display 22 may be provided with a rounded contour
40. Similarly, the recess 34 may also be provided with a rounded
contour 42 substantially conforming to the display 22. These
rounded contours 40, 42 may allow a relatively close fit between
the display 22 and the recess 34 while preventing interference
between the two.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 4B, in another embodiment, a tilt
mechanism may be provided in the form of a slide 44. In one
embodiment, the slide 44 may include a land 46, incorporated into
the display 22, that slides within a slot 48, incorporated into the
housing 20. In another embodiment, the land 46 may be incorporated
into the housing 20 and the slot 48 may be incorporated into the
display 22. The slide 44 may allow the display 22 to pivot about a
selected point, whether located on the housing 20 or not, simply by
adjusting the curvature, or radius, of the land 46 and slot 48.
Although a single slide 44 is illustrated in this embodiment, in
other embodiments, additional slides 44 may be integrated into the
display 22 and housing 20 to provide additional stability. For
example, a second slide 44 may be added closer to the upper ends
40, 42 of the display 22 and housing 20.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 4C, in yet another embodiment, the display
22 may be enlarged to form a panel covering a significant portion
of the housing 20. Such an enlarged panel may be used to
accommodate a larger display screen 23, additional LEDs, or the
like. As can be appreciated, a larger display screen 23 may be used
to display more content, including workout information and
entertainment. In certain embodiments, the display 22 may attach to
the housing 20 and pivot with respect thereto using a hinge 32. To
maintain the angle and position of the display 22, the hinge 32 may
employ a friction mechanism, or clutch, similar to those used on
many laptop computers.
[0042] When in a stored position, the display 22 may rest
substantially against the housing 20 and the top surface 36 of the
display 22 may align substantially parallel to the top surface 38
of the housing 20. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the display
22 may be formed such that the display 22 and housing 20 provide a
smooth contour. That is, a surface 50 of the display 22 and a
surface 52 of the housing 20 may provide a smooth continuous
contour.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 4D, in another embodiment, the display 22
may be sustained by a pivoting support 54. The pivoting support 54
may include a first end 56 pivotally attached to the housing 20 and
a second end 58 pivotally attached to the display 22. When the
display 22 is in the stored position, the pivoting support 54 may
align substantially parallel to the top surface 38 of the housing
20. However, when the display 22 is titled relative to the top
surface 38 of the housing 20, the pivoting support 54 may pivot
upward to support the display 22.
[0044] In certain embodiments, the display 22 may rest in various
notches 60, grooves 60, or the like, formed in the bottom of the
recess 34, depending on the display angle desired by a user. Unlike
the tilt mechanisms described in FIGS. 4A through 4C, the tilt
mechanism illustrated in FIG. 4D allows the display 22 to pivot
about multiple axes of rotation. This "dual axis" embodiment allows
the display 22 to maintain a relatively constant distance from the
user even as the display is tilted to enhance the viewing angle of
the user.
[0045] Referring to FIG. 5A, to allow the display 22 to maintain a
desired viewing angle, an adjustment mechanism 62 may be provided.
As previously mentioned, an adjustment mechanism 62 may allow
continuous adjustment of the display 22 relative to the housing 20
or, alternatively, adjustment to discrete positions. For example,
one embodiment of an adjustment mechanism 62 may include a groove
64, or slot 64, formed in the display 22. This groove 64 may widen
and/or deepen at various locations, as shown by the circular
recesses 66. A corresponding circular projection 68 may be formed
in the housing 20 to slide along the groove 64 and come to rest in
each of the circular recesses 66. Thus, in this embodiment of an
adjustment mechanism 62, the display 22 may be adjusted to various
discrete positions corresponding to the circular projection 68
coming to rest in each of the circular recesses 66.
[0046] FIG. 5B illustrates a cutaway cross-sectional view of the
groove 64, the circular recesses 66, and the circular projection 68
described in association with FIG. 5A. As shown, the circular
projection 68 slides along the groove 64 and comes to rest in the
circular recesses 66. As a user exerts force on the display 22, the
circular projection 68 will pop out of a recess 66, slide along the
groove 64, and pop into an adjacent recess 66. Because the display
22 and housing 20 are generally constructed of a flexible material,
such as plastic, this flexibility allows the projection 68 to pop
into and out of the recesses 66. In general, such a detent may be
formed in a variety of ways, and may be configured to resist but
accommodate movement upon the application of sufficient force to
deflect either the projection 68, recess 66, or both.
[0047] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate one contemplated embodiment of an
adjustment mechanism 62 in accordance with the invention. One of
ordinary skill in the art will 10 recognize, however, that other
adjustment mechanisms 62 may be suitable for use with the present
invention. For example, an adjustment mechanism 62 employing a
simple thumbscrew (not shown) may be used to adjust the angle of
the display 22. The thumbscrew may be loosened to adjust the
display 22 and tightened to lock the display 22 in place. This
provides a continuous means of adjustment.
[0048] In another embodiment, a hinge 32 comprising a friction
mechanism or clutch may be used in place of the adjustment
mechanism 62 illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B. This also provides a
continuous means of adjustment. Other types or variations of
adjustment mechanisms 62 may also be used and are within the scope
of the invention.
[0049] Referring to FIG. 6, as previously mentioned, an exercise
console 14 may provide a substantially fixed array of buttons 30
for operation by a user. These buttons 30 may provide a user
various input options which are selectable in a pre-determined
sequence by operation of the buttons 30. For example, in the
illustrated embodiment, the buttons 30 may provide input options
such as "enter," "scan," "select," "start," "reset," and arrows for
adjusting resistance levels, a workout program selected, workout
level, workout time, a speed, user weight, or the like. In order to
program the exercise console 14, the user selects the correct
buttons 30 and selects them in the correct order.
[0050] Nevertheless, even where very few buttons 30 are involved,
this process can be confusing and time-consuming, especially for
the technologically unsophisticated or phobic user. One cause of
this problem is that different brands, models, and types of
exercise devices 10 may use different buttons 30, use different
labels on the buttons 30, require different inputs, require a
different order of inputs, or the like. Thus, improved apparatus
and methods are needed to guide a user through the steps needed to
program an exercise device 10, thereby reducing the learning curve
needed to operate a device 10.
[0051] FIGS. 7A through 8D illustrate one embodiment of a method
for guiding a user through the programming steps of an exercise
console 14. The illustrated embodiment simply provides one example
of a method in accordance with the invention and is not intended to
limit the scope of the invention, as recited in the claims. As
illustrated in FIG. 7A, in one embodiment, before a user begins the
programming process, a "start" or "reset"button 30a may flash to
indicate to the user that this button should be selected to start
the programming process. The user may then select this button 30a
to begin the exercise console 14 programming process. Once the user
selects the "start" button 30a, the exercise console 14 then
determines the input options that are next available for
selection.
[0052] For example, referring to FIG. 7B, arrow buttons 30b, 30c
may begin to flash to indicate that the user should select a
workout program. Using the arrow buttons 30b, 30c, the user may
scroll or otherwise navigate through various workout programs. For
example, by using the arrows 30b, 30c, the user may change between
a "manual," "interval," "weight loss," "mountain," "race," and
"target heart rate" program. Once the user has navigated to a
desired program, the user may immediately select the enter button
30d to select the desired program.
[0053] Alternatively, referring to FIG. 7C, if the user does not
select the enter button 30d, the exercise console 10 may wait a
specified period (e.g., three seconds) and the "enter"button 30d
may begin to flash to indicate to the user that this is the
appropriate next selection. The user may then select the "enter"
button 30d in accordance with this indication.
[0054] Referring to FIG. 7D, once the user has selected the enter
button 30d, the arrow buttons 30b, 30c may again begin to flash to
indicate to the user that he or she should select a workout or
resistance level corresponding to the selected workout program. For
example, by selecting the arrows the user may toggle between level
"L1" and "L16" until the user reaches a desired level. Like the
previous example, once the user has toggled to a desired workout or
resistance level, the user may select the "enter" button 30d to
enter the level.
[0055] Alternatively, referring to FIG. 8A, if the user does not
select the "enter" button 30d, the exercise console 14 may again
wait a specified period (e.g., three seconds) and the "enter"
button 30d may begin to flash to indicate to the user that this is
the appropriate next selection. The user may then select the
"enter" button 30d in accordance with this indication to enter the
selected level.
[0056] Referring to FIG. 8B, once the "enter" button 30d is
selected, the arrow buttons 30b, 30c may again begin to flash to
urge the user to select a workout time for the workout program. For
example, arrow buttons 30b, 30c may increment or decrement some
control parameter, like the workout time, in intervals, such as one
minute intervals. Once the desired time is selected, the user may
press the "enter" button 30d to enter the selected time.
[0057] Referring to FIG. 8C, like the previous example, if the user
does not select the enter button 30d within the specified period
(e.g., three seconds), the "enter" button 30d may flash to indicate
that this is the appropriate next selection. The user may then
select the "enter" button 30d to enter the selected workout
time.
[0058] Referring to FIG. 8D, once the enter button 30d is selected,
the arrow buttons 30b, 30c may again begin to flash to urge the
user to enter the user's weight. Once entered, the user may press
the "enter" button 30d, or alternatively, if the user does not
select the enter button 30d within the specified period (e.g.,
three seconds), the "enter" button 30d may flash to indicate that
this is the appropriate next selection. The user may then select
the "enter"button 30d to enter the user's weight in accordance with
this indication.
[0059] The method described with respect to FIGS. 7A through 8D
uses flashing backlit buttons 30 as "indicators" to guide the user
through the programming steps of the exercise console 14. These
backlit buttons 30 may be provided by LEDs or other lights located
behind the buttons 30. Accordingly, the buttons 30 may be made from
a transparent or translucent material to allow the light to pass
through the buttons 30. Even so, other indicators or variations
thereof may be used to lead a user through the programming
steps.
[0060] For example, instead of lighting up, the buttons 30 may
change color or sounds may play to indicate a button 30 is next
available for selection. Similarly, instead of backlighting the
buttons 30, LED's or other lights located proximate the buttons 30
may light up to indicate the buttons 30 are available for next
selection. Thus, a method for guiding a user through the
programming steps of an exercise console 14 may use other automated
indicators, events, or both to help guide the user. Any and all
"indicators" that can be used to implement such a method are within
the scope of the present invention.
[0061] Referring to FIG. 9, in one embodiment, an exercise console
14 may include a control module 70 for implementing a method like
that disclosed with respect to FIG. 7A through 8D. Such a control
module 70 may include, among other components, a CPU 72, memory 74,
a timer 76, and the like, the likes of which are well known to
those of skill in the art. Memory 74 may include, for example, ROM,
EEPROM, RAM, and the like, to store executable code and operational
data for implementing the above-described method. The control
module 70 may also include one or more I/O ports 78 to receive
input from the exercise console buttons 30 and one or more I/O
ports 80 for turning on the LEDs 82 or other indicators 82 to
notify the user of the buttons 30 and corresponding input options
next available for selection. Similarly, one or more I/O ports 83
may be used to output data to the display 22.
[0062] Various options and alternatives for each of the components
72, 74, 76, 78, 80, 83 are available to those of skill in the art
and may be provided, for example, by various off-the-shelf
microcontrollers, discrete components, FPGAs, ASICs, or the like.
One of ordinary skill in the art will also recognize that
functionality for implementing the above-disclosed method may be
provided by hardware, software, firmware, or combinations
thereof.
[0063] Referring to FIG. 10, one example of a method 84 for guiding
a user through programming steps of an exercise console 14 may
include, indicating 86 to a user a "start" or other button, the
selection of which will initiate the programming process of an
exercise console 14. The method 84 may then wait, at a test 88, for
a user to select the "start" button. If a user selects the "start"
button, the method 84 then indicates 90 (e.g., with flashing LEDs,
etc. ) to the user the next available buttons 30 and corresponding
input options. The method 84 then waits, at a test 92, for the user
to select one or more of the next available input options. If the
user does select one or more of these input options, the method 84
then starts 94 (or restarts 94) a timer. If an input option is
selected again within a specified period (e.g., within three
seconds), at a test 96, the timer is restarted 94. However, if the
an input option is not selected again within the specified period,
the method 84 may then modify 98 the input options next available
for selection.
[0064] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from its essence or essential
characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in
all respects only as illustrative, and not restrictive. The scope
of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims,
rather than by the foregoing description. All changes within the
meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced
within their scope.
* * * * *