U.S. patent application number 12/332554 was filed with the patent office on 2009-06-18 for exercise machine with adaptive interface.
This patent application is currently assigned to TECHNOGYM S.P.A.. Invention is credited to MARCO DE ANGELIS, JARNO GUIDI, ALESSANDRO OLIVIERI.
Application Number | 20090156363 12/332554 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40315372 |
Filed Date | 2009-06-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090156363 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
GUIDI; JARNO ; et
al. |
June 18, 2009 |
EXERCISE MACHINE WITH ADAPTIVE INTERFACE
Abstract
An exercise machine with an adaptive interface comprises: a
processing unit (7) for managing and controlling the machine;
sensor means (9) for transferring information about the machine
operating state to the processing unit (7); a user interface (10)
equipped with means (11) for displaying the machine current
operating state; manual control means (12) for the machine
functions; optimization means (19), controlled by the processing
unit (7) and designed to modify the display means (11) and the
manual control means (12) when there are variations in at least one
machine operating parameter detected by the sensor means (9).
Inventors: |
GUIDI; JARNO; (CESENA,
IT) ; DE ANGELIS; MARCO; (L'AQUILA, IT) ;
OLIVIERI; ALESSANDRO; (CASALECCHIO DI RENO, IT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Pearne & Gordon LLP
1801 East 9th Street, Suite 1200
Cleveland
OH
44114-3108
US
|
Assignee: |
TECHNOGYM S.P.A.
GAMBETTOLA (FORLI CESENA)
IT
|
Family ID: |
40315372 |
Appl. No.: |
12/332554 |
Filed: |
December 11, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2071/0658 20130101;
A63B 22/0235 20130101; A63B 2225/09 20130101; A63B 2071/065
20130101; A63B 2220/30 20130101; A63B 2230/62 20130101; A63B
2220/833 20130101; A63B 2024/0068 20130101; A63B 2071/0675
20130101; A63B 2024/0078 20130101; A63B 22/0605 20130101; A63B
71/0619 20130101; A63B 22/0664 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/4 |
International
Class: |
A63B 24/00 20060101
A63B024/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 13, 2007 |
IT |
BO2007A 000820 |
Claims
1. An exercise machine with an adaptive interface, comprising at
least one processing unit (7) designed to manage and control the
machine, sensor means (9) for transferring information about the
machine operating state to said processing unit (7), at least one
user interface (10) equipped with means (11) for displaying the
machine current operating state and manual control means (12) for
the machine functions, wherein the machine comprises optimization
means (19), controlled by the processing unit (7) and designed to
modify the display means (11) and the manual control means (12)
when there are variations in at least one machine operating
parameter detected by the sensor means (9).
2. The exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein the
optimization means (19) are designed to modify the dimensions of
the machine operating state display means (11) when there are
variations in at least one machine operating parameter.
3. The exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein the
optimization means (19) are designed to modify the dimensions of
the manual control means (12) when there are variations in at least
one machine operating parameter.
4. The exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein the operating
parameter consists of the speed at which the user performs the
exercise, the optimization means (19) being designed to reduce the
dimensions of the machine operating state display means (11)
according to a predetermined calculation algorithm when said speed
increases, allowing improved concentration of the user's gaze on
the interface (10).
5. The exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein the operating
parameter consists of the speed at which the user performs the
exercise, the optimization means (19) being designed to increase
the dimensions of the manual control means (12) according to a
predetermined calculation algorithm when said speed increases, so
that they are more easily and rapidly accessible.
6. The exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein the operating
parameter consists of the speed at which the user performs the
exercise, the optimization means (19) being designed to reduce the
dimensions of the display means (11), allowing improved
concentration of the user's gaze on the interface (10), and to
increase the dimensions of the manual control means (12), so that
they are more easily and rapidly accessible, according to
respective predetermined calculation algorithms, when there is an
increase in the speed.
7. The exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein the operating
parameter consists of the speed at which the user performs the
exercise and also wherein the manual control means (12) comprise
primary manual controls (17), of fundamental importance for correct
machine management, and secondary manual controls (18), designed to
manage the machine entertainment content, the optimization means
(19) being designed to remove the secondary manual control means
(18) from the user interface, according to at least one
predetermined calculation algorithm, when there is an increase in
the speed.
8. The exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein the
optimization means (19) are designed to increase, according to at
least one predetermined calculation algorithm, the dimensions of at
least an upper area (15) of the display means (11) designed to show
the machine operating parameters, when there is an increase in the
speed at which the user performs the exercise.
9. The exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein the
optimization means (19) comprise at least one hardware module which
is operatively connected to the processing unit (7) and controlled
by the processing unit.
10. The exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein the
optimization means (19) are of the software type.
11. The exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein the display
means (11) comprise at least one "touch screen" type display
(14).
12. The exercise machine according to claim 11, wherein the manual
control means (12) comprise at least one push-button in the "touch
screen" type display which is designed to manage at least one
respective machine operating parameter.
13. The exercise machine according to claim 2, wherein the
operating parameter consists of the distance separating the user's
head from the interface (10), the optimization means (19) being
designed to vary the dimensions of the display means (11),
according to at least one predetermined calculation algorithm,
depending on the posture of the user on the machine.
14. The exercise machine according to claim 13, wherein it
comprises sensor means (9), located along the machine handgrip
(26), being designed to detect the position of the user's hands so
as to identify the user's posture on the exercise machine, and
therefore the distance separating the user's head from the display
means (11).
15. A process for optimizing the user interface (10) of an exercise
machine, wherein it implements the following steps one after
another: detecting the speed at which the exercise is performed on
the exercise machine; reducing the dimensions of the machine
operating state display means (11), according to at least one
predetermined calculation algorithm, when there is an increase in
said speed; increasing the dimensions of the primary manual control
means (17), according to at least one predetermined calculation
algorithm, when there is an increase in said speed.
16. The process according to claim 15, wherein it comprises a step
of removing the secondary manual control means (18) from the
display means (11), according to at least one predetermined
calculation algorithm, when there is an increase in said speed.
17. A process for optimizing the user interface (10) of an exercise
machine, wherein it implements the following steps one after
another: detecting the user's posture on the exercise machine,
using sensor means (9); modifying the dimensions of the exercise
machine operating state display means (11), according to at least
one predetermined calculation algorithm, when there is a variation
is said posture.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an exercise machine with an
adaptive interface.
[0002] Modern exercise machines for performing aerobic type
exercises, such as treadmills, exercise bicycles, elliptical
movement machines, rowing machines and the like, are equipped with
interactive interfaces which allow the checking of the parameters
relating to the exercise being performed (time, distance covered,
calories used, and others) as well as allowing management of these
parameters using active controls, so that the exercise is performed
in the desired ways, if necessary preset by the use or his
trainer.
[0003] Nowadays such interfaces preferably consist of a "touch
screen" display, which forms a surface in which there are both
"virtual" push-buttons for actively controlling machine functions
and, where required by the user, entertainment elements such as
television programs, films selected by the user, or other
items.
[0004] In practice, it was found that the prior art interactive
interfaces are not without disadvantages, particularly when the
above-mentioned exercise is performed on a treadmill.
[0005] While exercising by walking or running on the treadmill, the
user's balance and/or his central position on the belt may be
altered by viewing moving images and/or by staring at images
positioned along the lateral edges of the display screen. It was
found that an image at the side of the screen, especially in "wide"
format screens, obliges the subject to divert his gaze to the side
or even to turn his head to the side in order to keep his gaze
central. These two conditions induce or promote neuromotor reflexes
which, acting on the symmetry of the step action tend to alter the
balance, causing the user to knock his arms against the treadmill
lateral handgrips, or his feet against the guards at the sides of
the belt. Said situation may even involve a risk of falling, with
possible injury to the subject.
[0006] Moreover, while running on the treadmill, the speed causes,
through a greater frequency of steps for higher speeds, a greater
frequency of oscillations by the subject's body (and therefore
head) along the vertical axis. Therefore, the running speed also
affects the frequency of the variations of the angle of incidence
of the gaze on a fixed screen: higher speeds correspond to more
frequent variations of said angle of incidence. Compensating
adjustment by the eye muscles so as to keep the image fixed on the
retina may therefore be insufficient. At higher running speeds a
user will have greater difficulty clearly perceiving the image on
the display.
[0007] In addition, as the speed and therefore the frequency of
body oscillations increase, it is more difficult to use one's
fingers to precisely operate the machine control push-buttons
located on the display.
[0008] At present, to overcome these disadvantages, the general
tendency is to increase the dimensions of the machine control
push-buttons, consequently increasing the surface area of the
display and therefore the machine dimensions. Said partial solution
to the problem is no longer acceptable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The technical purpose of the present invention is therefore
to overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages, by providing an
exercise machine with an adaptive interface which allows the user
to keep his gaze on the display while exercising, even with moving
images, without feeling troublesome sensations and without risking
loss of balance, in particular if the exercise machine is a
treadmill.
[0010] Within the scope of said technical purpose, the present
invention has for an aim to provide an exercise machine with an
adaptive interface which allows the user, while exercising, to
operate the controls on the screen easily and without any
difficulty, even when exercising at high speeds, and even in
critical situations such as those involving sudden loss of balance,
or the like, in particular if the exercise machine is a
treadmill.
[0011] Another aim of the present invention is to provide an
exercise machine with an adaptive interface which allows the user
to concentrate better and to "immerse himself" in the multimedia
content which can be shown on the display while exercising, above
all at low speeds.
[0012] Yet another aim of the present invention is to provide an
exercise machine with an adaptive interface which has a simple
structure, is easy to make in practice, operates safely and
effectively and is relatively inexpensive.
[0013] Said purpose and aims are all achieved by the present
exercise machine with an adaptive interface, comprising at least
one processing unit designed to manage and control the machine,
sensor means for transferring information about the machine
operating state to said processing unit, at least one user
interface equipped with means for displaying the machine current
operating state and manual control means for the machine functions,
comprising optimization means, controlled by the processing unit
and designed to modify the display means and the manual control
means when there are variations in at least one machine operating
parameter detected by the sensor means.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The technical features of the invention, with reference to
the above aims, are clearly described in the claims below, and its
advantages are more apparent from the detailed description which
follows, with reference to the accompanying drawings which
illustrate preferred, non-limiting embodiments of the invention
provided merely by way of example without restricting the scope of
the inventive concept, and in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates a first example embodiment of an exercise
machine with an adaptive interface in accordance with the
invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates the adaptive interface in accordance with
the invention in a first operating condition;
[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates the adaptive interface in accordance with
the invention in a second operating condition;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the exercise machine in
accordance with the invention;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of a detail of a second
example embodiment of the exercise machine in accordance with the
invention;
[0020] FIG. 6 illustrates a third example embodiment of an exercise
machine with an adaptive interface in accordance with the
invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0021] With reference to the accompanying drawings, and in
particular with reference to FIG. 1, the numeral 1 denotes a first
example embodiment of an exercise machine with an adaptive
interface in accordance with the invention. FIG. 4 shows a
functional block diagram of the exercise machine.
[0022] The first example embodiment described below relates to an
exercise machine consisting of a conventional type treadmill.
However, it should be noticed that the exercise machine may also be
of another type (an exercise bicycle, a rowing machine, etc.),
without in any way limiting the scope of the present invention. The
treadmill comprises a frame 2 which rotatably supports a belt 3 on
two parallel rollers, not illustrated in the Figures. The user
exercises by walking and running on the belt.
[0023] The treadmill also comprises, supported by two uprights 4, a
console 5, from which there extend two lateral safety handles 6
which allow the user to lean on them while exercising.
[0024] The treadmill is equipped, in the known way, with a
processing unit, labeled 7 in FIG. 4, designed to manage and
control the machine. There are also actuator means 8, also of the
known type, which in this particular example embodiment are active,
that is to say, there consist of an electric motor which drives the
rotation of the belt 3. The treadmill also comprises sensor means,
labeled 9, designed to transfer to the processing unit 7, from one
moment to the next, information about the machine operating state,
such as detection of user presence on the belt, the belt speed of
rotation, the belt incline and other information.
[0025] The console 5 is advantageously equipped with a user
interface, labeled 10 as a whole, which allows the user to actively
interact with the machine, that is to say, to manage all operating
parameters relating to the exercise being performed, such as the
time elapsed, distance covered, incline, etc.
[0026] The user interface 10 comprises means 11 for displaying the
machine current operating state, and manual control means, labeled
12 as a whole, which can be operated by the user. The user can use
the display and control means to define as required the machine
operating parameters (time, speed, belt incline, etc.) before
performing the exercise and, above all, while exercising.
[0027] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a user interface 10 of a
modern exercise machine. In said interface 10 the above-mentioned
display means 11 comprise a monitor 13 forming a display 14
preferably of the "touch screen" type. In particular, an upper area
15 of the display is preferably designed to show the
above-mentioned machine operating parameters (time, speed, belt
incline, etc.) from one moment to the next, whilst the central area
of the display 14 may be used to display entertainment content for
the user while exercising.
[0028] In contrast, the manual control means 12 usually comprise
primary manual controls 17, that is to say, those of fundamental
importance for correct management of machine operation, and
secondary manual controls 18, that is to say, those designed to
manage the machine entertainment content (videos, music and other
such content).
[0029] The primary manual controls 17 preferably consist of virtual
push-buttons (that is to say, predetermined areas defined in the
touch screen which, if touched with a finger, due to phenomena
involving local capacitive variation give rise to electrical
signals) for a machine fast start, stop, variation in the speed of
belt 3 rotation, variation in the belt 3 incline relative to the
horizontal plane, and other equivalent push-buttons for managing
the main functions of the machine. The primary manual controls 17
are preferably located in the lower part of the display 14.
[0030] The secondary manual controls 18, preferably located along
one side of the display 14, in contrast consist for example of
virtual push-buttons for managing television programs which can be
shown on the touch screen, for managing radio programs which can be
listened to using earphones, for managing music tracks, and for
managing any other means of entertainment for the user while
exercising.
[0031] According to the invention, the exercise machine
advantageously comprises optimization means, labeled 19 in the
diagram in FIG. 4, controlled by the processing unit 7, designed to
modify the display means 11 and the manual control means 12 of the
interface 10 when there is a variation in at least one of the
machine operating parameters, defined in more detail in the
following description, the parameter being detected by the sensor
means 9.
[0032] In this way the interface 10 therefore becomes an adaptive
interface, that is to say, able to modify its features with regard
to user requirements, from one moment to the next.
[0033] In more detail, the optimization means 19 are designed to
modify the dimensions of the means 11 for displaying the machine
operating state when there are variations in said operating
parameter. In the same way, the above-mentioned optimization means
19 are designed to modify the dimensions of the manual control
means 12 when there are variations in said parameter.
[0034] The operating parameter referred to appropriately consists
of the speed at which the exercise is performed and, in the
particular example embodiment described herein, the speed of
rotation of the treadmill belt 3, corresponding to a predetermined
user walking or running speed.
[0035] For a better understanding, reference should be made to FIG.
3, which illustrates the adaptive interface 10 in an operating
condition at high speed (nm), compared with FIG. 2, which
illustrates the same interface 10 in an operating condition at low
speed (walk).
[0036] Following selection of said parameter, the optimization
means 19 reduce the dimensions of the display means 11, according
to a predetermined calculation algorithm, when the speed increases,
thus allowing improved concentration of the user's gaze on the
interface 10. In particular, the optimization means 19 act in such
a way as to reduce the dimensions of the display 14, as is
schematically illustrated in FIG. 3, so that while exercising the
user's gaze is directed at a zone having a smaller surface area.
This gives a noticeable improvement in the clarity of the image
perceived, and a smaller variation in the angle of incidence of the
gaze during the run. As a result, the exercise can be performed in
greater comfort. The above-mentioned predetermined calculation
algorithm is, for example, an algorithm based on an inverse linear
relationship between the speed at which the exercise is performed
and the dimensions of the display 14. However, it may be of a
different type, depending on the specific application
requirements.
[0037] The optimization means 19 are also designed to increase the
dimensions of the primary manual control means 17 according to at
least one predetermined calculation algorithm when there is an
increase in the speed at which the exercise is performed, so that
they are more easily and rapidly accessible, above all at the
highest speeds. This is of fundamental importance above all
regarding the push-buttons for varying the belt 3 speed and the
emergency stop push-button. The predetermined calculation algorithm
is, for example, based on a direct linear relationship between the
speed at which the exercise is performed and the dimensions of the
primary manual control means 17. However, it may be of a different
type, depending on the specific application requirements.
[0038] Even more advantageously, the optimization means 19 are
designed in such a way that while the exercise is performed they
simultaneously increase the dimensions of the primary manual
control means 17 and reduce the dimensions of the display 14, thus
achieving a synergic effect of increasing comfort and increasing
the accessibility of the controls, and therefore increasing
safety.
[0039] Another advantageous feature of the present invention is the
fact that the optimization means 19 are designed to remove from the
user interface 10, and therefore from the display 14, the secondary
manual control means 18, according to a predetermined calculation
algorithm, when there is an increase in said speed (in particular
when a predetermined "threshold" value is exceeded). In this way,
the user is in no way distracted by the presence of controls which
are not strictly necessary for the management of machine operation
while exercising at high speed. In other words, it was found that
an average user running at high speed on a treadmill directs his
attention practically exclusively at the primary manual controls
17, whilst he tends not to bother with the secondary controls 18.
He tends to focus all of his physical and mental energy on
exercising, and not on managing entertainment content, which could
therefore distract him, creating awkward or dangerous
situations.
[0040] Appropriately, the optimization means 19 may also be
designed to increase, according to a predetermined calculation
algorithm, the dimensions of the upper area 15 of the display
intended for displaying the machine operating parameters, when
there is an increase in the running speed, so that said upper area
15 is more visible, above all at the highest speeds.
[0041] In the example embodiment described herein, the optimization
means 19 are appropriately connected to the exercise machine
processing unit 7 and are controlled by the latter. The
optimization means may consist of at least one dedicated hardware
module, suitably made by assembling electronic components.
[0042] Alternatively, where it proves particularly advantageous and
economical, the optimization means 19 may be of the software type.
In more detail, they may be made by means of suitable modifications
to the existing exercise machine management software, resident in
the processing unit 7.
[0043] The following is a brief non-limiting description, provided
by way of example only, of an optimization process for defining the
correct dimensions of the display means 11 and of the manual
control means 12 while the user is exercising at a predetermined
speed.
[0044] Said process, consisting of a calculation algorithm
implemented by the optimization means 19, involves a set of
parameters, some set in advance and others detected by the exercise
machine sensor means 9, hereinafter listed with respective example
abbreviations: [0045] the maximum speed at which it is safe to
display full screen images (usually 6 km/h, that is to say, 1 km/h
less than the speed at which a person has to start running to avoid
being thrown off the treadmill), in short "V min"; [0046] the
maximum speed at which a user can exercise, which in this case
corresponds to the maximum speed at which the user can still look
at a screen while running, usually between 16 km/h and 18 km/h, in
short "V max"; [0047] the current speed at which the user is
exercising, in short "V user"; [0048] the maximum size of the
display 14, in short "D max"; [0049] the minimum size at which an
image can be shown on the display 14 and still have a meaning or be
legible, in short "D min"; [0050] the minimum size at which each
push-button can be shown on the display 14, in short "BD min";
[0051] the maximum size at which each push-button can be shown on
the display 14, in short "BD max"; [0052] the current size at which
the push-buttons are shown on the display 14, in short "BD user";
[0053] the current size of the display 14, in short "D user";
[0054] the set of primary manual controls 17, in short "PB"; [0055]
the set of secondary manual controls 18, in short "SB"; [0056] the
set of manual controls 12 currently shown on the screen, in short
"B user".
[0057] The optimization process comprises a step of comparing "V
user" and "V min": if "V user" is less than "V min", there follows
a step of assigning the "D max" value to "D user", a step of
assigning the "BD min" value to "BD user", and a step of assigning
the combined "PB" and "SB" sets to the "B user" set.
[0058] If, in contrast, during the comparison step, "V user" is
greater than "V min", there follows a step of assigning to "D user"
the value of "D min" plus the value of "V user" minus "V min"
divided by the product of "V max" minus "V min" multiplied by "D
max" minus "D min", and a step of assigning to "BD user" the value
of "BD min" plus the value of "V user" minus "V min" divided by the
product of "V max" minus "V min" multiplied by "BD max" minus "BD
min", and a step of assigning the "PB" set to the "B user" set.
[0059] Therefore, as indicated the invention achieves the preset
aims.
[0060] The optimization means 19, which can be perfectly integrated
in a conventional type exercise machine, allow the elimination of
problems relating to correct viewing of the display 14 by the user
while running, even at the highest speeds, making the user
interface 10 able to adapt to the various conditions for performing
the exercise. Moreover, they allow noticeable improvement in user
safety conditions during a run, in particular as regards rapid
accessibility of the push-buttons for reducing the speed and/or the
machine emergency stop push-button.
[0061] The invention described may be modified and adapted in
several ways without thereby departing from the scope of the
inventive concept.
[0062] FIG. 5 is a schematic detailed view of a second example
embodiment of an exercise machine with an adaptive interface 10 in
accordance with the invention.
[0063] In this second example embodiment the optimization means 19
advantageously comprise an actuator 20, controlled by the exercise
machine processing unit 7, designed to modify the machine operating
state display means 11. In more detail, the actuator 20 allows
modification of the position of the display means 11 relative to
the position of the user, according to a predetermined calculation
algorithm depending on the speed at which the exercise is
performed. The actuator 20, controlled by the processing unit 7,
basically allows variation of the vertical position and/or angle of
the display means 11 relative to the machine console 5, and
therefore relative to the user's eyes, so that looking at the
display 14 while running is more comfortable and safer. It was
found that the typical position adopted by the user's head while
running at the highest speeds requires adjustment of the position
of the display 14 to obtain viewing angles and directions which are
ergonomically more correct than those required, for example, for
exercise consisting of a walk.
[0064] The actuator 20 may consist, for example, of at least one
electric motor, connected to transmission means which are basically
of the known and conventional type, allowing the monitor 13 to be
translated and/or rotated according to the speed at which the
exercise is performed on the exercise machine.
[0065] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a third example embodiment of
the exercise machine with an adaptive interface 10 in accordance
with the invention.
[0066] In this third example embodiment the exercise machine
consists of an exercise bicycle comprising a frame 21 rotatably
supporting a movement unit 22 with pedals 23. The frame 21 also
supports a saddle 24 and a front upright 25 at the top of which the
user interface 10 is located, equipped with machine operating state
display means 11, and connected to a handgrip 26 for the user's
hands.
[0067] In this example embodiment the optimization means 19 are
advantageously designed to modify the display means 11 with regard
to a different machine operating parameter, detected by the sensor
means 9, and specifically the distance between the user's head and
the interface 10 while the user is exercising. In more detail, the
optimization means 19 vary the dimensions of the display means 11,
and in particular of the display 14, according to at least one
predetermined calculation algorithm, depending on the posture of
the user on the exercise machine.
[0068] For this purpose, the machine is equipped with manual
contact type sensor means 9, located in the machine handgrip zones
and designed to detect the position of the hands so as to identify
the posture adopted by the user on the exercise machine, and
therefore the distance separating his eyes from the display 14.
[0069] Detecting the user's posture on the machine therefore allows
variation of the dimensions of the display 14 in inverse proportion
to the distance separating the user's eyes from it. In other words,
if the user on the bicycle adopts a position in which he is leaning
forwards, the dimensions of the display 14 are reduced by a
predetermined quantity by the calculation algorithm. In contrast,
if the user on the bicycle adopts a position in which he is leaning
backwards, the dimensions of the display 14 are increased by a
predetermined quantity. This guarantees the optimum display 14 size
for each user posture.
[0070] Also in the example embodiment just described, the
optimization means 19 are appropriately connected to the exercise
machine processing unit 7 and are controlled by the latter. They
may consist of at least one dedicated hardware module, or they may
be of the software type.
[0071] The invention described above is susceptible of industrial
application and may be modified and adapted in many other ways
without thereby departing from the scope of the inventive concept.
Moreover, all details of the invention may be substituted by
technically equivalent elements without departing from the
protective scope of the claims herein.
* * * * *