U.S. patent application number 11/588722 was filed with the patent office on 2008-05-01 for exercise apparatus with spoken messages.
This patent application is currently assigned to Dream Visions, LLC. Invention is credited to Theodore G. Habing.
Application Number | 20080103024 11/588722 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39330987 |
Filed Date | 2008-05-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080103024 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Habing; Theodore G. |
May 1, 2008 |
Exercise apparatus with spoken messages
Abstract
An exercise machine has audio programs that provide explanation,
coaching and encouragement to the user. The user is given a spoken
description of the workout program or work mode, along with
training and encouragement. The user may also be advised of any
change in speed, resistance, incline, pedal position, etc. The
voice can be turned on or off during a programmed exercise sequence
and will automatically pick up where the user is in the exercise
program. Controls allow the user to select among different voices
and exercise levels.
Inventors: |
Habing; Theodore G.;
(Tustin, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BLAKELY SOKOLOFF TAYLOR & ZAFMAN
1279 OAKMEAD PARKWAY
SUNNYVALE
CA
94085-4040
US
|
Assignee: |
Dream Visions, LLC
|
Family ID: |
39330987 |
Appl. No.: |
11/588722 |
Filed: |
October 26, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/8 ; 482/54;
482/6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2024/0093 20130101;
A63B 2220/30 20130101; A63B 2024/0009 20130101; A63B 2220/833
20130101; A63B 2071/063 20130101; A63B 22/02 20130101; A63B 71/06
20130101; A63B 24/0006 20130101; A63B 2220/18 20130101; A63B
24/0087 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/8 ; 482/54;
482/6 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/005 20060101
A63B021/005; A63B 71/00 20060101 A63B071/00; A63B 22/02 20060101
A63B022/02 |
Claims
1. An exercise apparatus comprising: an exercise machine having at
least one adjustable exercise parameter; an electronic program
controlling the adjustable exercise parameter; a voice message
delivery unit providing a spoken message corresponding to a
programmed state of the adjustable exercise parameter.
2. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the spoken message is
selectable between a male voice and a female voice.
3. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the spoken message
corresponds to a selected one of a plurality of exercise
levels.
4. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the voice message
delivery unit further provides a spoken message with an exercise
suggestion.
5. The exercise apparatus of claim 4 wherein the spoken message
corresponds to a selected one of a plurality of exercise
levels.
6. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the voice message
delivery unit further provides a spoken message with exercise
encouragement.
7. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the spoken message
announces a state of the adjustable exercise parameter.
8. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 further comprising visual
indicia representing a selected exercise parameter proximate to the
user control.
9. An exercise apparatus comprising: an exercise machine having at
least one adjustable exercise parameter; a voice message delivery
unit providing a spoken message corresponding to the state of the
adjustable exercise parameter.
10. The exercise apparatus of claim 9 wherein the spoken message is
selectable between a male voice and a female voice.
11. The exercise apparatus of claim 9 wherein the spoken message
corresponds to a selected one of a plurality of exercise
levels.
12. The exercise apparatus of claim 9 wherein the voice message
delivery unit further provides a spoken message with an exercise
suggestion.
13. The exercise apparatus of claim 12 wherein the spoken message
corresponds to a selected one of a plurality of exercise
levels.
14. The exercise apparatus of claim 9 wherein the voice message
delivery unit further provides a spoken message with exercise
encouragement.
15. The exercise apparatus of claim 9 further comprising a sensor
for sensing a state of the adjustable exercise parameter.
16. The exercise apparatus of claim 9 wherein the spoken message
announces a state of the adjustable exercise parameter.
17. The exercise apparatus of claim 9 further comprising visual
indicia corresponding to the state of the adjustable exercise
parameter proximate to the user control.
18. An exercise apparatus comprising: an exercise machine having at
least one adjustable exercise parameter; a user control for
designating a selected adjustment of the exercise parameter; a
voice message delivery unit providing a spoken message
corresponding to the selected adjustment of the exercise
parameter.
19. The exercise apparatus of claim 18 wherein the spoken message
is selectable between a male voice and a female voice.
20. The exercise apparatus of claim 18 wherein the spoken message
further corresponds to a selected one of a plurality of exercise
levels.
21. The exercise apparatus of claim 18 wherein the voice message
delivery unit further provides a spoken message with an exercise
suggestion.
22. The exercise apparatus of claim 21 wherein the spoken message
corresponds to a selected one of a plurality of exercise
levels.
23. The exercise apparatus of claim 18 wherein the voice message
delivery unit further provides a spoken message with exercise
encouragement.
24. The exercise apparatus of claim 18 further comprising visual
indicia representing available adjustments of the exercise
parameter proximate to the user control.
25. The exercise apparatus of claim 24 wherein each visual indicium
has an associated button for turning on and off a recorded message
of exercise description and suggestions for the corresponding
adjustment of the exercise parameter.
26. An exercise apparatus comprising: an exercise machine having at
least one adjustable exercise parameter; a user control for
selecting an adjustment of the exercise parameter; a voice message
delivery unit providing a spoken message corresponding to the
selected adjustment of the exercise parameter.
27. The exercise apparatus of claim 26 wherein the spoken message
is selectable between a male voice and a female voice.
28. The exercise apparatus of claim 26 wherein the spoken message
further corresponds to a selected one of a plurality of exercise
levels.
29. The exercise apparatus of claim 26 wherein the voice message
delivery unit further provides a spoken message with an exercise
suggestion.
30. The exercise apparatus of claim 29 wherein the spoken message
corresponds to a selected one of a plurality of exercise
levels.
31. The exercise apparatus of claim 26 wherein the voice message
delivery unit further provides a spoken message with exercise
encouragement.
32. The exercise apparatus of claim 26 further comprising visual
indicia representing available adjustments of the exercise
parameter proximate to the user control.
33. The exercise apparatus of claim 32 wherein each visual indicium
has an associated button for turning on and off a recorded message
of exercise description and suggestions for the corresponding
adjustment of the exercise parameter.
34. The exercise apparatus of claim 26 further comprising visual
indicia representing a selected exercise parameter proximate to the
user control.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates generally to the field of exercise
equipment. More particularly, the invention relates to a programmed
exercise machine with adjustable configurations, which may be
either manually adjusted or electromechanically controlled by a
program, wherein an audio program matched with the configuration of
the machine is presented to the exerciser.
[0003] 2. Background
[0004] The benefits of exercise are well known, and a wide variety
of exercise machines are available for both cardiovascular
conditioning and strength training. Some manufacturers of exercise
equipment have begun offering machines with programmed exercise
routines. Octane Fitness offers "X-Mode" and "Heart Logic" programs
for exercise equipment. Life Fitness offers treadmills with workout
programs. The T9700HRT treadmill from Vision Fitness offers a
"scrolling message center" in the control console. Motivational
messages scroll across the console at appropriate points during a
workout, such as: "Great job, you're halfway there!" or "Stride out
and control your breathing." Requiring the exerciser to read
feedback or workout encouragement is not as effective as providing
spoken encouragement and feedback. It is optimal to have both
visual and audio encouragement and feedback.
[0005] Devices that provide visual and audio information in
connection with a related activity are well known. For example,
U.S. Pat. No. 4,703,573 discloses a visual and sound display that
is activated by turning pages of an associated book.
[0006] U.S. Patent Publication No. 2003/0171189 and related U.S.
Pat. Nos. 5,857,939; 6,251,048 and 6,582,342, all by Arthur H.
Kaufman, disclose an audible electronic exercise activity monitor
for monitoring the performance of an exercise. The device has a
memory for storing sound data corresponding to a plurality of
values associated with the exercise activity. An activity detector
is responsive to motion associated with the performance of the
exercise to output a corresponding signal. A processor receives the
signal and retrieves a block of corresponding sound data. A speech
generator then generates a naturally-sounding human voice or
reproduces a pre-stored version of an actual human voice in
accordance with the sound data stored in the memory. The speech
generator is controlled by the processor in response to the
activity detector to provide a verbal representation of the user's
performance of the activity. Motivational speech may also be
generated to encourage correct and continued performance of the
activity.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] An exercise machine, particularly a machine for performing
cardiovascular exercises, has an electronic program for controlling
certain adjustable exercise parameters. These parameters, which
depend on the particular type of exercise machine, may include
platform inclination, pedal surface incline and configuration
(shape), speed, resistance, and other variations of the workout
mode. The program also provides voice and visual stimuli to explain
and encourage a workout. Voice messages may describe and explain
any change in an exercise program, e.g.; mechanical change of the
machine or speed or resistance change. Additional voice messages
may then suggest user workout variations and encourage the user
through the exercise. The machine may have manual adjustment of
exercise parameters and sensors to recognize the position of the
parameters to provide workout information, description and training
suggestions. Console controls allow the user to choose between a
male or female voice. Additional controls allow the user to select
voice messages corresponding to different experience or intensity
levels of exercise. The voice messages can be turned on or off by
the user at any point during a workout program and, when turned
back on, will automatically pick up where the user is in the
program. Visual stimuli comprise pictures of workout modes with
names and/or descriptions adjacent. A lighting effect can be used
to show the user which picture relates to the workout being
performed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 shows one example of an exercise machine suitable for
use with the present invention.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a control system for
implementing the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a detailed view of a potion of a control console
for use with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a detailed view of another portion of a control
console for use with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0012] In the following description, for purposes of explanation
and not limitation, specific details are set forth in order to
provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However,
it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present
invention may be practiced in other embodiments that depart from
these specific details. In other instances, detailed descriptions
of well-known methods and devices are omitted so as to not obscure
the description of the present invention with unnecessary
detail.
[0013] The present invention provides improved programming for
exercise machines. Various adjustable features or exercise
parameters on aerobic exercise machines such as platform elevation,
running surface inclination, speed, pedal surface configuration,
resistance, and other variations in workout modes that tax muscles
differently or allow the user to target a specific muscle group
more easily are manually adjustable or electromechanically
controlled by an electronic program. In the case of programmed
adjustments, the program adjusts the various parameters throughout
an exercise routine and provides a voice description, information,
voice training and encouragement corresponding to each adjustment
configuration. The voice can be manually turned on or off, and when
turned on at any specific point in a programmed exercise routine,
the electronics will start the voice program at the location
appropriate for the specific point in the exercise routine. The
voice may be a continually running recording in which the speaker
is simply turned on or off such that at any point the voice is
turned on, the recording is already at the correct point in the
exercise program. For manually adjustable parameters, the voice
would give workout information, description, training suggestions
and encouragement for the selected adjustment.
[0014] A demonstration program may be used to show the features and
changes of the exercise parameters. An actual workout program may
rotate through various configurations of exercise parameters and
workout variations, such as, in the case of a pedal exerciser,
spinning backward or forward with each pedal position, and bending
more at the knees for portions of a pedal variation, etc. Each
program may have a visual representation of the control console
with lights moving in a circle around picture schematics showing
the training method and stopping/lighting the mode currently in
use.
[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates an exercise apparatus 10 in which the
present invention may be embodied. In this example, apparatus 10
is, in most respects, a conventional treadmill. The speed and
incline of the treadmill may be adjusted by the exerciser using
controls on control console 12. In addition to manual control of
these functions, the exerciser may select a programmed exercise
routine that automatically adjusts the speed and incline of the
treadmill in accordance with programmed parameters. During the
course of the programmed exercise routine, the exerciser receives
spoken messages from speaker 14 (or from optional headphones not
shown) describing certain aspects of the exercise routine and also
providing encouragement.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a control system for
implementing the present invention. The control system may be
incorporated into any of a variety of exercise machines, aerobic or
strength, including but not limited to a treadmill as illustrated
in FIG. 1. The exercise machine has at least one physically
adjustable exercise parameter 20. In the example of a treadmill,
the adjustable exercise parameters include the speed of the
treadmill and the incline of the treadmill. Other exercise machines
each have their own unique set of adjustable parameters. For
example, a striding exerciser may have pedals that can be adjusted
to different configurations.
[0017] The state of the adjustable exercise parameters may be
controlled by an electronic program 22. Such program may be
implemented as a set of instructions in a microprocessor. The
program may be preloaded by the manufacturer of the exercise
machine or may be loaded by the exerciser with a storage medium,
such as a CD-ROM or flash drive. Alternatively, the exercise
machine may be configured with a simple connector to receive
programs from a personal computer or directly from the Internet.
Furthermore, programs may be entered directly by the exerciser
using controls 24 on the control console of the exercise
device.
[0018] A voice message delivery unit 28 receives signals from the
electronic program 22 to provide appropriate messages to the
exerciser via speaker 14. The voice message delivery unit may be
implemented as a routine within the electronic program 22 using
either recorded or synthesized speech.
[0019] Certain exercise parameters may be adjusted directly by the
exerciser. For example, many exercise machines use selectable
weight stacks to provide exercise resistance. Typically, the
exerciser manually selects a desired level of resistance before
beginning an exercise set. When such adjustments are made, a sensor
26 may provide data concerning the adjustable exercise parameter to
the electronic program 22. The sensor can also be used to provide
feedback to the electronic program as to the condition of
programmed exercise adjustments.
[0020] Sensors need not be provided for all exerciser-adjustable
parameters. Instead, appropriate controls may be provided on the
control console with which the exerciser may designate a selected
adjustment of a parameter as shown in FIG. 3. In this example, four
different foot pedal configurations are graphically depicted on a
control console 12'. Each of buttons 31-34 is associated with one
of the depictions. When the exerciser manually adjusts the pedals
to one of the configurations, the exerciser presses the
corresponding button, thereby notifying the electronic program of
the selected configuration. The voice message delivery unit then
provides voice messages appropriate for that configuration of the
pedals.
[0021] FIG. 4 is a detailed view of a portion of a control console
12. Two buttons 41 and 42, one depicting a woman, the other a man,
are provided to select a female or male voice, respectively.
Additional buttons 43-45 allow the exerciser to select among
different experience or intensity levels of exercise. In this case,
the selections provide for beginner, intermediate and intense
levels of exercise. Pushing these various buttons while in a demo
or workout program activates the selected voice and exercise level
to provide suggestions on how to push, pull, bend, rotate (spinning
direction), or body positioning for the specific programmed
exercise or workout mode and gives encouragement just like a
personal trainer. The voice may be turned on or off by pushing the
buttons at any point in a program so the user can turn it on to
listen as a reminder or encouragement when the exercise
configuration changes and then turn it back off if the user wants
to read a magazine, listen to radio or watch TV during the rest of
the workout program. If the speaker is on while the program is
changing from one segment of the programmed exercise to another
(such as a pedal configuration change, ramp incline change, or
speed change), the voice introduction to this segment explains what
is happening to the pedal, ramp or speed and what the focus of the
next workout segment will be. The voice program then goes into a
"trainer encouragement mode". If the speaker is turned on in the
middle of a workout segment, the voice program starts just after
the introduction (beginning explanation of that segment), so it
does not go through a description of how the exercise configuration
is changing, but goes directly into the suggested workout mode,
body positioning, and encouragement mode.
EXAMPLE 1
[0022] On an elliptical with programmed electronic pedal changes,
when the pedal starts to change to the heel up mode and the voice
button is already on, the voice might say: "Now the pedal will
raise your heel to go into a glute and hamstring push. Continue the
forward rotation." The voice would then pause a pause while the
pedal finishes raising the heel, and then continue: "Now focus on
pushing with your heel as your foot moves down and back through the
stroke. Push with your heel. Feel the back of your leg working?
Push . . . Push . . . Push with your heel. Good, keep pushing with
your heel towards the back of the stroke . . . Keep up the good
work . . . Feel the glute and the back of the legs . . . Good job .
. . Keep going . . . "
[0023] If the speaker was off and is turned on after the pedal has
changed, but while still in the heel workout segment, the voice
would start out: "Continue with forward rotation. Now focus on
pushing with your heel as your foot moves down and back through the
stroke. Push with your heel. Feel the back of your leg working?
Push . . . Push . . . Push with your heel. Good keep pushing with
your heel towards the back of the stroke . . . Keep up the good
work. . . Feel the glute and the back of the legs . . . Good job .
. . Keep going . . . "
[0024] While still in the heel mode, the voice could suggest
reversing directions and pushing down with the heel towards the
back of the stroke.
EXAMPLE 2
[0025] On a treadmill with programmed electronic incline changes
and speed changes, when the speed starts to drop and the ramp
starts to incline for the mountain climb mode and the voice button
is already on, the voice might say: "Now the speed is reducing to 3
mph and the ramp will raise to 15% incline. Keep pace with the belt
speed and, if needed, hold onto the rails. If it is too fast, push
the speed down button." The voice would then pause while the speed
reduction and incline finishes, and then continue: "Now focus on
walking uphill as if you were hiking up a hill, but plant your
heels down at the top of each step and push with your heel. Feel
the back of your leg working? Climb. . . Climb . . . Push down with
your heel. Good keep pushing with your heel through out the climb .
. . Keep up the good work . . . Feel the glute and the back of the
legs . . . Good job . . . Keep going . . . "
[0026] If the speaker was off, and is turned on after the speed and
incline have changed, but while still in the mountain climb
segment, the voice would start out: "Now focus on walking uphill as
if you were hiking up a hill, but plant your heels down at the top
of each step and push with your heel. Feel the back of your leg
working? Climb . . . Climb . . . Push down with your heel. Good
keep pushing with your heel through out the climb . . . Keep up the
good work. . . Feel the glute and the back of the legs . . . Good
job . . . Keep going . . . "
[0027] While in the mountain climb mode, the voice could suggest
"Keep pace with the belt speed and if needed, hold onto the rails.
If it is too fast, push the SPEED DOWN button to a more comfortable
speed."
[0028] It will be recognized that the above-described invention may
be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the
spirit or essential characteristics of the disclosure. Thus, it is
understood that the invention is not to be limited by the foregoing
illustrative details, but rather is to be defined by the appended
claims.
* * * * *