U.S. patent application number 12/340470 was filed with the patent office on 2010-06-24 for user detection for exercise equipment.
This patent application is currently assigned to Unisen, Inc., dba Star Trac. Invention is credited to Kevin Corbalis, Shatish Mistry, David Wayne Morris, Gregory Allen Wallace.
Application Number | 20100160115 12/340470 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42266970 |
Filed Date | 2010-06-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100160115 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Morris; David Wayne ; et
al. |
June 24, 2010 |
USER DETECTION FOR EXERCISE EQUIPMENT
Abstract
Embodiments of the present disclosure include a user detection
system for exercise equipment, such as a treadmill. In an
embodiment, a sensor monitors displacement between a deck
supporting a moveable treadmill belt and aspects of a treadmill
frame. As users interact with the treadmill, a processor uses a
sensor signal indicative of the displacement to determine whether a
user has mounted the treadmill belt.
Inventors: |
Morris; David Wayne;
(Anaheim, CA) ; Corbalis; Kevin; (Tustin, CA)
; Wallace; Gregory Allen; (Mission Viejo, CA) ;
Mistry; Shatish; (Irvine, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KNOBBE MARTENS OLSON & BEAR LLP
2040 MAIN STREET, FOURTEENTH FLOOR
IRVINE
CA
92614
US
|
Assignee: |
Unisen, Inc., dba Star Trac
Irvine
CA
|
Family ID: |
42266970 |
Appl. No.: |
12/340470 |
Filed: |
December 19, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2220/833 20130101;
A63B 2071/0081 20130101; A63B 2220/89 20130101; A63B 2220/52
20130101; A63B 22/0235 20130101; A63B 71/0054 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/4 |
International
Class: |
A63B 24/00 20060101
A63B024/00 |
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. (canceled)
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4. (canceled)
5. (canceled)
6. (canceled)
7. (canceled)
8. (canceled)
9. (canceled)
10. (canceled)
11. (canceled)
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15. (canceled)
16. (canceled)
17. (canceled)
18. (canceled)
19. A method of operating a treadmill to determine when a moving
belt likely does not include a user of the treadmill, the method
comprising: receiving in a processor a signal indicative of a
displacement sensor detecting displacement of (i) a first treadmill
member movable when said user loads at least a portion of their
weight on a treadmill belt, with respect to (ii) a second treadmill
member substantially unmovable when said user loads said belt;
electronically determining whether the signal likely represents
that said user is present; and when said determining indicates said
user is not present, electronically altering operation of said
treadmill.
20. The method of claim 19 comprising: receiving in a coil a change
in a magnetic field when said first member moves with respect to
said second member; and outputting said signal based on said change
in said magnetic field.
21. The method of claim 19 wherein the altering step comprises
displaying a message to a user.
22. The method of claim 21 wherein the message comprises a
countdown to a slowdown of the belt.
23. The method of claim 21 wherein the message comprises a request
for the user to return.
24. The method of claim 19 wherein the altering step comprises a
slowdown of the belt.
25. The method of claim 19 wherein the altering step comprises an
emergency shutdown.
26. The method of claim 19 wherein the altering step comprises
adjusting an exercise program.
27. The method of claim 26 wherein the altering step comprises
adjusting at least one exercise parameter.
28. The method of claim 27 wherein the altering step comprises
adjusting one or more of: speed limits or incline limits.
29. A treadmill configured to determine when a moving belt likely
does not include a user, the treadmill comprising: a treadmill
belt; a first treadmill member movable when said user loads at
least a portion of their weight on said treadmill belt; a second
treadmill member substantially unmovable when said user loads said
belt; one or more processors configured to receive a signal
indicative of a displacement sensor detecting displacement of (i)
said first treadmill member, with respect to (ii) said second
treadmill member, said processors configured to electronically
determining whether the signal likely represents that said user is
present; and when said determining indicates said user is not
present, configured to electronically altering operation of said
treadmill.
30. The treadmill of claim 29 comprising a coil configured to
receive a change in a magnetic field when said first member moves
with respect to said second member, wherein said one or more
processors are configured to output said signal based on said
change in said magnetic field.
31. The treadmill of claim 29 wherein said one or more processors
are configured to display a message to a user.
32. The treadmill of claim 31 wherein the message comprises a
countdown to a slowdown of the belt.
33. The treadmill of claim 31 wherein the message comprises a
request for the user to return.
34. The treadmill of claim 29 wherein said one or more processors
are configured to slowdown the belt.
35. The treadmill of claim 29 wherein said one or more processors
are configured to perform an emergency shutdown.
36. The treadmill of claim 29 wherein said one or more processors
are configured to adjust an exercise program.
37. The treadmill of claim 36 wherein said one or more processors
are configured to adjust least one exercise parameter.
38. The treadmill of claim 37 wherein said adjustment comprises one
or more of: speed limits or incline limits.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to the field of
exercise machines. More specifically, the invention relates to
exercise machines having user detection features.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Commercially available residential and industrial exercise
machines are popular with many individuals who want to enjoy
cardiovascular exercise to lose weight, obtain or maintain fitness,
and the like. Treadmills are one example, and nearly all treadmills
have a kill function designed to stop the machine in an emergency
situation, often implemented through a user tether or user
accessible button. However, there remains a need to be able to
detect the presence or absence of a user. Some manufacturers employ
an infrared emitter and detector. Often the emitter emits radiation
aimed at the approximate location of a user's chest, and the
detector detects reflected radiation when a user is present.
However, such a system can include inaccuracies. For example,
lighting conditions where the machine is located may saturate or
confuse the detector; the color and material of a user's clothes
may similarly confuse the detector or the like.
[0005] Manufacturers also introduced detection devices that
identify the presence of a user based on changes in load on the
electric motor driving the belt of a treadmill. Each time a user
plants a foot, the weight of the user supplies an additional load
on the belt, and thus the motor, compared to when no user is
present. There are limitations to such a solution, however,
including the need for the belt to be moving. Moreover, as the
incline of a treadmill increases, there is less or no load change
to detect, which will generally affect the accuracy of the user
detection.
SUMMARY
[0006] Accurate and consistent user detection with exercise
equipment is important for a variety of reasons. For example, it is
advantageous to be able to stop a machine in an emergency
situation, such as if a user falls off the machine, cannot reach a
kill switch mechanism, the user leaves a machine running, or the
like. A particularly problematic issue occurs when a user wants to
rest, stretch or otherwise stop exercising for a short time but
leaves the belt running at speed. In such situations, it is
advantageous to alert the user to reengage or halt the belt
movement. Additionally, an accurate detection of force and/or
cadence of a user's footfalls on a treadmill can help diagnose and
correct running or walking form issues, such as to help prevent or
reduce injuries or to train or retrain a person to walk. Such a
system can also help control workouts, aid in rehabilitation
settings, and the like.
[0007] An embodiment of this disclosure provides a user detection
system for an exercise machine including one or more sensors that
detect vertical and/or horizontal movement in a treadmill deck with
respect to a treadmill frame. An example of this type of sensor
includes a reluctance-type sensor comprising a magnet and induction
coil to detect induced current based on the movements of a
treadmill deck with respect to the treadmill frame caused by the
movements of a user. More specifically, in an embodiment, a
treadmill comprises a stationary frame supporting a floating deck
beneath a treadmill belt. The deck may rest on, for example,
flexible rubber rails or the like attached to the frame or the like
that allow some cushion and shock absorption for a user. The deck
further includes a magnet operably affixed to move as the deck
moves it and an induction coil operably affixed on at least one
frame rail in close proximity to the magnet, together forming a
reluctance sensor. As a user walks, runs, or even simply shifts his
or her weight on the treadmill, the user will change weight on the
deck, causing the flexible rubber rails to flex. The deck will
thereby shift in relation to the frame, and therefore the magnet
will move in relation to the induction coil, which may be operably
stationary with the frame, thereby inducing a current/voltage in
the coil that can be measured, and providing an indication of the
presence of the user.
[0008] In an embodiment, these signals can be used to pause or stop
a treadmill, for example, when a user departs without stopping the
belt of the treadmill. These signals can also be used to power down
a machine after a user has been gone for a certain period of time.
In yet another embodiment, the user detection can be used to alter
a display to include indicia designed to attract the attention of a
potential user when there is no user at the machine; for example,
the attract screens may include a challenge screen (such as
displaying a message such as "Can you improve your mile time?" or
"How far can you go today?") or a welcome screen. Additionally, the
treadmill can initiate a program start sequence when a user is
detected.
[0009] Moreover, in an embodiment, two or more of these sensor sets
may be placed near opposite rails of a treadmill frame. The various
readings from the multiple sensors can be compared to determine
left footfalls versus right footfalls, cadence, impact variance
between a user's legs and the like. Information that can be derived
from the multiple sensors, in an embodiment, may be used to
determine if a user is favoring one leg or the other, differences
in stride or gait, and the like. In turn this information can be
evaluated to provide technique suggestions, training tips, and so
on.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] A general architecture that implements the various features
of the disclosure will now be described with reference to the
drawings. The drawings and the associated descriptions are provided
to illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and not to limit its
scope. Throughout the drawings, reference numbers are reused to
indicate correspondence between referenced elements.
[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary
treadmill including a base and deck according to embodiments of
this disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary deck and
sensor of the treadmill of FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 3A illustrates a cross sectional view of an embodiment
of a treadmill deck resting on its rails and base, according to an
embodiment of this disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 3B illustrates a perspective view of a corner of the
deck of FIG. 3A.
[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross sectional view of an embodiment
of a treadmill deck resting on its rails and base, according to an
embodiment of this disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 5 illustrates a sample flow diagram for a user
detection process according to embodiments of this disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of an
exemplary treadmill system according to an embodiment of this
disclosure, including user detection electronics.
[0018] FIG. 7A illustrates a block diagram of a translator board of
the treadmill system of FIG. 6 according to an embodiment of the
disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 7B illustrates an electronic circuit diagram of an
embodiment of exemplary translator board components of the
treadmill system of FIG. 6.
[0020] FIG. 8 illustrates a sample flow diagram for a user
attraction process according to embodiments of this disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 9 illustrates a sample flow diagram for a user
detection process during equipment operation according to
embodiments of this disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 10 illustrates a sample flow diagram for user technique
evaluation process according to embodiments of this disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 11 illustrates a sample display panel for providing
user technique evaluation to a user according to embodiments of
this disclosure.
[0024] FIGS. 12A-C illustrate exemplary alternative form feedback
displays according to embodiments of this disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] As stated the detection of a user's presence on exercise
equipment can provide a number of benefits, including safety, power
savings, motivation, training, and the like. A user detection
system for exercise equipment, such as a treadmill will now be
described with reference to the figures. FIG. 1 illustrates an
exemplary treadmill 100, including a base 104 with a frame
positioning two rollers stretching an endless treadmill belt 102
for exercising users. Within a loop formed by the treadmill belt
102 resides a generally resilient deck surface, preferably with a
low coefficient of friction between the surface and the belt 102
that allows the belt 102 to glide over it while in use. In an
embodiment, the deck may be any shape including flat, concave or
the like. In an embodiment, a deck may advantageously be "floating"
within a constrained space that in an embodiment is defined at
least in part by the treadmill frame. In this type of floating
support deck, a user exercising on the belt will experience
cushioning with each step. In an embodiment, a user detection
system may advantageously monitor displacement between the floating
deck and portions of the frame to determine whether a user has
mounted the belt 102. In an embodiment, the displacement may
advantageously be indicative of a user's gait, exercise cadence,
exercise form, or the like.
[0026] Although the treadmill 100 of FIG. 1 includes the foregoing
elements in the present disclosure, a person of skill in the art
will recognize from the disclosure herein a wide variety of
treadmill designs or exercise equipment usable to exercise or
rehabilitate a user thereof, including, for example, treadmills
commercially available from StarTrac.RTM., ICON, and many others.
Moreover, one of skill in the art will recognize from the
disclosure herein a wide variety of displacement monitoring schemes
between user exercise structures and equipment frames.
[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of a
treadmill base 200, including the base 104 and deck 206,
illustrating internal components of FIG. 1. In an embodiment,
elements of a frame 207 extend generally along the sides of the
deck 206. The frame elements 207, in an embodiment, are steel,
other metal, or other strong, stiff material. In an embodiment, the
frame elements 207 additionally position and often house the
rollers for the treadmill belt, the belt driving mechanism, incline
elements, and the like. The frame elements 207 support cushioning
supports 208 upon which the deck 206 sits. The cushioning supports
208 can include a generally resilient, yet compressible material to
provide some amount of cushioning to a user when his or her feet
impact the belt above the deck 206, such as, for example, any
rubber material or the like. As illustrated, the cushioning
supports 208 resemble three ovals of decreasing size stacked atop
each other. A shape such as this and others known to those of skill
in the art from the disclosure herein allow some degree of both
lateral movement and vertical compression when stressed by the
force of a user's footfalls upon the deck 206. It is understood
that other shapes can be used, however. In an embodiment, deck 206
is not attached to the cushioning supports 208 but is allowed to
float within a confined place. Caps 210 attach to each corner of
the frame elements 207 to restrict the movement of deck 206 to be
within the frame. In an embodiment, the user detection sensor is
located near one edge of deck 206. This provides an easy location
for the sensor elements; additionally, the edges of the deck may
provide the most upward flex when a user steps down on a more
central area of the deck. In the embodiment illustrated, the sensor
is near the middle of one cushioning support 208. In an embodiment,
a magnet 212 attaches to the underside or within a cavity in deck
206. Also an induction coil 214 attaches in close proximity to the
magnet, along frame element 207. Together, the magnet 212 and
induction coil 214 comprise a reluctance sensor. As shown, a
portion of the cushioning support 208 may be eliminated to provide
a cut-out area 216 for placement of the inductance coil 214. This
may allow the reduction of additional attachment pieces or
enlargement of frame elements 207 that might otherwise be needed to
align the sensor elements, although it is not a singular solution
for accomplishing these goals. Deck 206 is generally made of a
sturdy material that can withstand the forceful impacts of runners
and other users. However, deck 206 will often flex slightly as a
user steps towards the center of the deck 206 where there are no
supporting rails. This, in conjunction with the free-floating deck
and the preferably compressible cushioning supports 208, allows
magnet 212 to move in relation to the inductance coil 214, which is
fixed in place along the frame element 207. As the deck moves
slightly from a user's footfalls or shifts in weight, the magnet's
212 corresponding movements induce a current in the induction coil
214, which is stationary with respect to the frame element 207, and
this signal is in turn communicated through a wire 311 (FIG. 3B) to
a processor for translation.
[0028] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate other views of an embodiment of
treadmill bases 300, 350 with user detection sensors and provide
examples of additional options for the placement of the sensors.
FIG. 3A illustrates a cross sectional view of the deck and sensor
arrangement similar to that of FIG. 2. In the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 3A, there is sufficient room along frame
element 207 to place the inductance coil 214 along a side
cushioning support 208. As shown in FIG. 3B, magnet 212 is set into
a recess of deck 206 and held in place by a fastening element 313
in an embodiment. Similarly, inductance coil 214 is held in place,
such as by a generally U-shaped fastening element 315. Of course,
any of a number of fastening and/or positioning elements can be
used for this purpose, including, for example, nails, screws, or
bolts with braces or restraining plates; adhesives, tapes, or
glues; combinations of the same; and the like. In another
embodiment, one or both of magnet 212 and inductance coil 214 can
be frictionally held within an appropriately sized cavity (such as
magnet 212 within deck 206). In an embodiment, the magnet 212 and
inductance coil 214 are interchangeable, in that the sensor could
be operably mechanically associated with the deck 206, while the
magnet is operably mechanically associated with the frame element
207. The inductance coil 214 may also be located under the frame
element 207 in an embodiment, so long as the magnet 212 and
inductance coil 214 are in sufficient proximity that the magnetic
field of the magnet 212 induces a current in the inductance coil
214 based on motion of the magnet 212. This distance may be
influenced by the type and specification of sensor components.
[0029] FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of treadmill deck base
400 including a user detection system. This embodiment includes
multiple user detection sensors. The multiple sensors may be
located in various positions on the treadmill, such as one close to
each cushioning support 208. As shown in FIG. 4, two or more
magnets 212 attach close to opposing edges of the deck 206. As
before, each magnet 212 pairs with an inductance coil 214, attached
across a gap created by the cushioning supports 208.
[0030] As illustrated in FIG. 4, magnets 212 may not be placed
within recesses of deck 206. In the embodiment illustrated, the
magnets 212 are not fully recessed, as may be dictated by
manufacturing simplicity or the status of the sensors as an
optional treadmill accessory. It is therefore advantageous to
ensure that the cushioning supports 208 do not compress so much
that the magnets 212 can impact inductance coils 214. As such, any
cut-out areas 216 are preferably sized to accommodate the maximum
lateral and longitudinal motion of the deck 206 preventing or
reducing the possibility of the cushioning supports 208 pressuring
the magnets 212 during the deck's movement. In some embodiments,
the sensors may preferably be located near the deck's corners (see
FIG. 3B), as one of skill in the art will recognize that increased
flex of the deck 206 is likely to be experienced at or near the
corners and edges of the deck. This is due to the fact that the
corners will generally be the farthest portions of the deck from
those bearing the weight and impact of users who generally stay
closer to the center of the deck. However, the sensors can also be
placed suitably anywhere along the cushioning supports 208 (such as
shown in FIG. 2). In an embodiment, the treadmill includes a
reluctance sensor near the center of the deck 206, such as when a
treadmill includes crossing braces or the like under the deck 206
that may be used to strengthen the frame. In addition to the
foregoing, input from one or multiple sensors may be compared to
determine, for example, a noise floor, weight distribution, or
other indications of use of the treadmill.
[0031] With embodiments of the arrangement and make-up of user
detection sensors described, it is helpful to understand the
operation of such a sensor. FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary user
detection process 560. As disclosed above, when a user steps onto
an exercise machine, such as a treadmill, in an embodiment of this
disclosure, the deck 206 will move and/or flex in relation to the
frame 207. The magnet 212 will in turn move in relation to the
inductance coil 214. This motion changes the magnetic field
experienced by the inductance coil 214 and induces an electrical
signal (block 582) that can be communicated, in an embodiment,
through wires 311. The process includes filtering the electric
signal(s) to decrease noise (block 584). Internal components or the
transmission of the signal along the wires, as well as external
environmental factors, can all create noise which may reduce the
clarity of the user detection signal. In an embodiment, the analog
signal is conditioned and then converted into a digital signal for
ease of processing (block 586). In some embodiments, the process
may include further filtering of the digital signal (block 586). A
processor uses the digital signal strength, duration, or comparison
to a previous signal to determine whether a user is present (block
588). For example, slight vibrations in the treadmill caused merely
by the electric motor driving the belt may create small, "baseline"
signals. A change from a small baseline signal to a large signal
can indicate the presence of the user. The determination can be
output to a display, passed to another process for use, or the like
(block 590).
[0032] FIGS. 6 and 7A illustrate exemplary block diagrams of a
treadmill information processing system 500 according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the
systems of FIGS. 6 and 7A are configured to perform the method
disclosed in FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 6, the system includes
sensors 214, 526, 527, monitoring various treadmill activities. The
sensors each output signals to one or more signal processors at
translator board 518. The processors calculate various parameters
based on the incoming signals and manage drive elements (such as
motor driver 529), output some or all of the parameters to one or
more displays 524, or the like.
[0033] In an embodiment, the sensors include a user detect sensor,
such as the magnet and coil 214 disclosed herein, other magnetic
sensors, optical sensors, or the like. In an embodiment, a
motor/incline control board 528 includes an incline controller 526,
a speed sensor 527, and a motor driver 529. In an embodiment, the
incline controller 526 provides indications of the current incline,
as well as controls raising and lowering of the treadmill belt. In
another embodiment, the incline controller functions may be handled
by multiple components. One of skill in the art will recognize from
the disclosure herein a wide variety of sensors and motor feedback
systems capable of monitoring the incline and speed of a treadmill
100, including for example, induction sensors, optical sensors,
potentiometers, and the like. In some embodiments, the speed sensor
528 may include a reluctance sensor similar to the user detect
magnet 212 and inductance coil 214, where, for example, one or more
magnets rotate operably with a driving motor to pass a stationary
inductance coil. Those of skill in the art will understand that
other sensor elements may also be used. For example, one or more
metal components could rotate operably with a driving motor to pass
a stationary magnet/sensor combination. The metal's interaction
with the magnet can generate a readable signal.
[0034] The signal processors may include a translator board 518, a
FIT (fitness) processor 520, and a display processor 522. In an
embodiment, the translator processor board 518 comprises one or
more circuits and/or microprocessors that, among other things, may
condition signals and supply motor feedback functions. In the
illustrated embodiment, the translator board receives feedback from
the incline sensor 526 and can send commands to an incline motor to
raise or lower the treadmill's incline. Similarly, the speed sensor
528 provides an indication of the treadmill belt speed to
translator board 518, and the translator board can send commands to
a treadmill belt drive to increase or decrease the speed as
necessary. In addition, translator board 518 may receive
instructions from other components or supply various data
thereto.
[0035] In an embodiment, the FIT processor 520 manages workout
programs. This management may include duration, speed, intensity,
incline, and segment length parameters, for example. Workout
programs may include specific duration, distance, incline, and/or
intensity parameters and the like, creating, for example, timed
workouts, user controlled workouts, specific distance workouts,
hill climbing workouts, interval workouts, fat burning or heart
rate controlling workouts, or the like. The FIT processor 520 may
also process or store information relating to heart rate, calories
burned estimates, and the like. In an embodiment, the display
processor 522 governs a display and/or its controls, such as an
interactive display. The display processor 522 includes, in various
embodiments, fan controls, a television interface, a display
interface, an iPod.RTM. or other music, multimedia, or other player
interface, or the like. In an embodiment, the display 524 includes
an LCD screen, an interactive touch screen, a plasma display panel,
LEDs, indicator lights, or the like. As illustrated, translator
board 518, FIT processor 520, and display processor 522 may be one
or more physically separate processors and/or electronics boards,
or one ore more can be combined within signal processor 519.
[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, the user detection inductance
coil 214 communicates with the translator board 518. The translator
board 518 interprets the signals from the inductance coil 214 and
forwards them to the FIT processor 520. The FIT processor 520, in
an embodiment, may use this indication to help control a workout
program. For example, the FIT processor 520 may use the absence of
a user to affect a workout program. The FIT processor communicates
a signal to the translator board 518, which in turn communicates
signals that cause, for example, a treadmill belt drive to slow the
treadmill belt and the incline motor to lower the incline. In an
embodiment, FIT processor 520 may communicate a user presence
parameter to the display processor 522, which may command the
display 524 to display indications of the presence or absence of a
user. Some exemplary applications of the user detection indications
are discussed below in more detail with relation to FIGS. 8-10
below.
[0037] FIG. 7A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a portion of
the translator board 518 of FIG. 6, according to an embodiment of
the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the translator board
accepts the signals communicated from the inductance coil 214 and
interprets the signals. In an embodiment, the translator board
includes an active low pass filter and buffer 630, an amplifier and
filter 632, a passive low pass filter 634, and a microcontroller
639. The low pass filters 630, 634 helps extract noise from the
signal below the Nyquist frequency, and the amplifier boosts the
signal for easier processing. The microcontroller 639 outputs a
digital indication of a presence or absence of a user, and in some
embodiments, may provide more detailed indications beyond a binary
"present" or "absent" signal.
[0038] In an embodiment, microcontroller 639 includes an
analog-to-digital converter 636 and a digital filter 638. The
passive low pass filter 634 smoothes the signal to help remove
anomalies in the signal and provide the overall long-term trend of
the signal. The analog-to-digital converter 636 allows the signal
to be translated into a digital format to aid more accurate and
precise filtering and manipulation. The digital filter performs
mathematical operations on the sampling, discrete-time signal to
create an output indicative of, among other potential information,
the presence or absence of a user.
[0039] In FIG. 7A, signals from a user detect sensor are passed
through a low pass filter and buffer 630 to an amplifier 632 and
then to another low pass filter 634. Microcontroller 639 then
receives the signals, in an embodiment, and uses an
analog-to-digital converter 636, and a final digital filter 638 to
clean up and interpret the signals. The filters help eliminate the
background noise and the higher frequency readings that may be
caused from normal vibrations of the treadmill's operation. A
person of skill in the art will recognize from the disclosure
herein that such conditioning, filtering, amplifying, and the like
functionality can be done using any of signal processing
techniques.
[0040] In an embodiment, the translator board 518 ignores any DC
offset caused by the amplifier circuits and interprets a
peak-to-peak amplitude of the inductance coil 214 signals. If the
peak-to-peak value determined in the microcontroller 518 is greater
than a specific threshold, then a user is determined to be present.
In an embodiment, the threshold value may be based on a
speed-dependent calibration of the inductance coil 214 readings
without a user present to automatically set the threshold. In an
embodiment, the translator board 518 may interpret the user
detection signals to provide only periodic or intermittent data to
the FIT processor, such as, for example, every 0.5 seconds or every
0.25 seconds. Additionally, or in the alternative, the translator
board may incorporate an interrupt from the sensor. Any interrupt
is preferably in a range from about zero to about two seconds. In
an embodiment, the interrupts are faster than two second intervals
to aid in rendering more accurate readings. While the user detect
sensor can function at longer intervals, safety features
implemented with the user detection may have reduced effectiveness.
Similarly, more advanced uses of the signals (see FIG. 10 below,
for example) from the sensor(s) 214 may require shorter interrupt
intervals. In an embodiment, interrupt features may depend on the
use of the exercise machine. For example, user detection sensor
readings may be evaluated more often while a treadmill belt is
moving than while the treadmill is not in use.
[0041] FIG. 7B illustrates exemplary components of the translator
board circuitry of FIG. 7A. In an embodiment, the circuitry
prepares the analog signal from the sensor 214 to be processed by
the microcontroller 639. Often, such conditioning includes, but is
not limited to, application of gain and/or filtering of the
original signal. As shown in FIG. 7B, the exemplary circuitry
includes a connector 702, a noise filter 703, safety resistors and
buffer 704, first and second optional gain and filter stages 706,
708 (individually or collectively, amplifier and low pass filter
632), and a passive, anti-aliasing filter/charge storage capacitor,
low pass filter 634. In an embodiment, the connector 702 and noise
filter 703 correspond to the low pass filter and buffer 630 of FIG.
7A. Although disclosed as including the foregoing components, a
person of skill in the art will recognize from the disclosure
herein that the components of the conditioning circuitry may
include a wide variety of analog signal conditioning elements
chosen, for example, based at least in part on the characteristics
of signal expected from the sensor 214 and the characteristics of
the expected noise in the system.
[0042] In an embodiment, the sensor 214 produces a signal as the
magnetic field changes with respect to a coil. Therefore, the
expected characteristics of the signal may include a pulse
train-like signal cycling within the normal expected cadence of a
person walking, jogging, running or sprinting. Signal
characteristics above and below those thresholds may advantageously
be interpreted as noise. Thus, in an embodiment including the
foregoing expected pulse train signal, the discussed circuitry
conditions the signal for further processing by the microcontroller
639 by filtering the signal to within expected cycles and applying
some gain.
[0043] Accordingly, the signal from the sensor 214 is communicated
to the conditioning circuit at connector 702 for conditioning. The
circuitry employs the capacitor 703 to filter common noise
producers, such as, for example, a power supply (60 Hz in the U.S.,
often 50 Hz elsewhere), although other filters may be used. The
circuitry employs a safety resistor to protect against, for
example, electrostatic discharge or power spikes and employs the
one or more optional gain and filter stages 706, 708 to further
amplify and condition the signal. In an embodiment, the gain and
filter stage 708 sufficiently amplifies and filters the signal from
the sensor 214 that the second stage 706 is not used. The circuitry
then employs the capacitor 710 as an anti-aliasing low pass filter
before the signal is output from the conditioning circuit and
communicated to the microcontroller 639.
[0044] Now, with reference to FIGS. 8-10, user detection process
are shown and described. FIG. 8 illustrates an user attraction
process 800 where the treadmill 100 may be powered but not in use.
The FIT processor, for example, accepts signals from the user
detection inductance coil 214 through the translator board 518 to
determine if a user has stepped onto the machine (block 740). In an
embodiment, when a user is not detected, the display processor 522
may cause display 524 to show a user attraction message (block
742). The message can be words or phrases (such as, "Have you
gotten your run in today?" or "Burn [X] calories an hour with a
good jog!"), pictures, sounds, video, combinations of the same, or
the like--in general, anything that may attract a user's attention
or get them to use the machine. In an embodiment, the display 524
may also, or alternatively, include advertisements, such as for
other exercise equipment, a commercial gym's running or other class
schedules, nutrition products, or any other product or service
desired. When a user is detected, the FIT processor 520 causes the
display processor 522 and display 524 to commence a start-up
procedure, such as by displaying a welcome message (block 744).
Additionally, the FIT processor initiates a program (block 746),
such as by seeking input from a user (for example, height, weight,
age, program type, and/or program distance or duration). The
program initiation, in an embodiment, can also trigger the
treadmill to exit a lower "power save" state and power up one or
more components of the treadmill 100 in preparation for use. For
example, a treadmill including a television display may turn on the
television display only when a user is present.
[0045] FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an "in use"
process 900 for using the user detection features during a user's
workout. Constantly, at periodic intervals (such as through an
interrupt 848), at random intervals, or the like, the user
detection inductance coil 214 readings may be interpreted to
determine whether or not a user is still present (block 850). When
a user is detected, the program will not be interrupted for user
detect issues (block 862). A user timeout counter is reset or
remains at a baseline (block 864), and the routine ends. When a
user is not detected (block 850), the FIT processor alters the
display, such as by asking that the user return to his or her
workout (block 852). For example, the display may read "Please
return to the treadmill to complete your workout or stop the
machine." The user timeout counter increments (block 854), and the
processor checks the counter to see if it has surpassed a threshold
(block 856). If not, the process exits and is rerun upon receipt of
the next user detect signal after the interrupt (block 848), and
repeats the process. If the user returns, the display returns to
normal, and the program proceeds. If the user does not return in
time, the user timeout counter will ultimately meet the time delay
(block 856) and trigger a controlled slowdown (block 860) to stop
the treadmill. Such a process may include saving the program data
for a specific amount of time (such as a "pause" state) before
ultimately resetting the machine and/or returning to a user attract
mode, such as that described with respect to FIG. 8. The timeout
counter threshold is preferably of sufficient duration to allow a
user to see the user return message, understand it, and react by
returning to the treadmill. In an embodiment, this time delay is
preferably at least about 6-8 seconds. In an embodiment, the user
detect interrupt allows a signal to be processed every 0.5 seconds,
so a counter could be incremented with a time delay threshold of
X=16. When the user timeout is then greater than 16, the time delay
will have been approximately 8 seconds, and can trigger the
slowdown. Although disclosed with reference to an example, a person
of skill in the art will understand from the disclosure herein that
many processes could be used to determine an appropriate amount of
time before taking remedial action.
[0046] In another embodiment, the routine may be one or more
threads of a processor (such as FIT processor 520) that loops from
block 864 or the NO condition of block 856 back to the user detect
block 850 rather than utilizing interrupts. In such a case, the FIT
processor may well manage the break and resumption of the thread.
Such an alternative method may also utilize a system clock or other
timing metric to implement the time delay rather than one or more
counters. This may allow more accurate time delays based on the
threading as the processing of the user detect thread may not be
uniform if other threads must also be processed at various
times.
[0047] FIG. 10 illustrates another use for the user detect sensors
described herein, a user analysis process 1006. Although the
signals can be interpreted generally to illustrate the binary
presence or absence of a user, the signals can also be of
sufficient detail to provide more exacting information. For
example, the signals from an embodiment including multiple sensors,
such as, for example, having a left and right sensor (see, e.g.,
FIG. 4), front and back sensors, or other combinations of sensors,
can be used to help diagnose running technique, aid in patient
rehabilitation, and the like. Starting with block 970 of the user
analysis process 1006, signals from the sensors are interpreted to
detect a first footfall during program operation. In an embodiment,
the sensor signals can indicate which foot made the step (because
the signals between a right and left sensor will provide different
readings), the relative force of the step, the duration of the
step, and so on. The sensors are similarly monitored to detect a
second footfall (block 972) and a third footfall (block 974). This
will provide data about two full strides from a user. The first and
third footfalls (being with the same foot) are likely to be fairly
comparable, but can be compared with the second footfall (block
976) to determine the difference in impact between one foot and the
other, determine the stride time for a left step and a right step,
and the like. A processor, such as the FIT processor 520, can then
analyze the data to help provide a user with running tips, help
rehabilitate a user, or the like (block 978). In some embodiments,
the processor will also take into account the speed and incline
data from incline sensor 526 and speed sensor 527. Tips and
analysis can then be displayed to the user (block 980), stored for
later feedback, output to a separate computer, or the like.
[0048] For example, this process could be used to determine that a
user's stride is too long and to output a message to shorten the
stride for a given speed. The process could also determine if one
leg is favored over another to help diagnose or even prevent
possible injuries. In another example, the system could detect
whether a runner is landing too flat-footed or running well on the
balls of their feet and provide tips on how to alter this. In an
embodiment, a workout program may be customized based on some or
all of this information. For example, the workout may be slowed for
a brief period to help a user feel a recommended change in stride
before building back to a quicker pace. Similarly, if the
interpreted data indicates that a user's technique deteriorates
when an incline is too steep, the FIT processor 520 may send a
command to the incline motor 526 (through translator board 518) to
lower the incline until the user's technique recovers.
[0049] The foregoing processes 800, 900, 1006 are just a few
examples of the types of uses for the user detection systems
described herein. In another embodiment, the duration and amount of
impact could be monitored for additional safety or exercise form
considerations. For example, if a user collapsed on the treadmill
and was not using a kill switch tether or could not reach a stop
button, the user detection system could determine that an impact
was different from normal step impacts (for example, a much longer
duration) and trigger an emergency stop of the treadmill belt to
help reduce burns, scrapes, or other injury that could result from
a still moving treadmill belt.
[0050] Moreover, the methods illustrated above indicate that
exercise equipment may present information to a user through a
display. It is understood that messages for a user could be
messages displayed on a screen, indicator lights, or the like.
Messages could also be audible tones, beeps, synthesized or
recorded voice messages, or the like output through a speaker.
Messages and user presence or footfall data can also be output to a
computer or saved in memory for later access, additional processing
and evaluation, analysis of user trending over time, and the
like.
[0051] FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary display panel 1182 that may
be used in connection with the user detection systems disclosed
herein. The display contains one or more control buttons 1190 and
one or more exercise program information panels 1192 including
information such as pace, heart rate (when available), incline,
distance, program profile, and/or the like. FIG. 11 also
illustrates an exemplary form feedback panel 1184. In an
embodiment, the duration of a signal, the signal strength, and/or
the like of the output of one or more user detection sensors, such
as inductance coil(s) 214, can be processed and interpreted as a
force of impact for a user's footfalls. Such information may be
dependent upon other available information, such as a user's
weight, the treadmill speed, the incline, and the like from, for
example, programs or user input. The form feedback panel can then
display the force feedback in various forms, such as in a graph
1186.
[0052] Many trainers and exercise equipment manufacturers believe
that user form should seek to minimize footfall force so as to
reduce strain on joints, muscles, and the like. A lighter force for
a footfall is likely to register as a smaller signal from a user
detection sensor with a longer duration, while a heavier force will
likely be indicated by a stronger signal over a shorter amount of
time, in an embodiment based on the vibrations caused by the user's
impact on the treadmill belt.
[0053] In an embodiment, a force footfall graph 1186 provides
indications such as "Ideal," "Moderate," and "Heavy." In an
embodiment, the force graph 1186 may include one or more
indications of force, such as increased bar length of the graph,
color changes, and the like for heavier footfall forces. Similarly,
a user's cadence--generally expressed as steps per minute--can be
measured based on the detection of each impact over a period of
time. Many trainers and exercise equipment manufacturers believe
that proper running form should include approximately 80-90 steps
per minute. Form feedback display may thus include a cadence rate
display 1188. Such a cadence rate display 1188 can help avoid
strides that are too long, too short, aperiodic, or the like and
may provide teaching instruction for a user to attain a more
efficient form.
[0054] One of skill in the art will understand that there are many
ways to display one or more program information panels 1192 and one
or more form feedback panels 1184. For example, one or more LED
fields can be used, a single LCD display may be partitioned to show
different exercise program and form information, and the like. A
limited number of such displays can cycle program and/or form
feedback information with a limited number of displays, and the
like. Similarly one of skill in the art will understand that there
are many input options for various embodiments, which can include
control buttons 1190, touch screens, dials, switches, a microphone
for voice recognition, and/or the like. One of skill will also
understand that various running parameters, such as footfall force
and cadence, can be adjusted to conform to current industry
understanding of proper technique. For example, in an embodiment, a
treadmill manufacturer, owner, operator, or the like can upgrade
the programming of a FIT processor 520 to alter parameter
limits.
[0055] FIGS. 12A-C illustrate exemplary alternative form feedback
panels 1184. For example, as shown in FIG. 12A, force can be
displayed as a single gas bar 1290, with one column that raises and
lowers among a number of degradations, such as "light," "moderate,"
and "heavy." Similarly, cadence can be displayed by an arrow or
other indicator that is displayed along a continuum. Here, a
numerical readout 1188 of 60 is further illustrated as in a "slow"
range. Such a dual display may be particularly useful for users who
are unfamiliar with theory in running technique. FIG. 12B
illustrates yet another force display 1294 that includes concentric
shapes (here shown as feet). In an embodiment, the smallest shape
is illuminated or displayed for light forces, with the display
getting larger to correspond to larger footfall forces detected.
Preferably each larger shape is of a different color to provide
additional indication of proper force. In an embodiment of the user
detection systems described herein that includes multiple user
detection sensors, a display may further distinguish between left
foot force and right foot force. As illustrated in FIG. 12B, a user
seeing the indicated display may notice that they are favoring
their left foot by placing it with less force than their right.
[0056] FIG. 12C illustrates another exemplary gas bar 1290, where
larger force degradations correspond to larger display areas to
provide multiple visual cues to a user. Moreover, in an embodiment,
a human analog display 1296 may be included to help illustrate a
user's style. Proper technique, as currently understood by many
trainers and exercise equipment manufacturers, includes that a
user's upper body should remain relatively stationary during
jogging or running. A user that notices bouncing in their vision is
likely running with too much vertical force with his or her steps,
rather than mainly exerting effort to move the foot forward. Such
bounce is generally associated with a heavier than ideal footfall
force.
[0057] The human analog display 1296 may mimic this bouncing motion
when user detection indicates heavier than ideal footfall forces
and provide text or other illustration on how to minimize this
bounce. Similarly, the display may illustrate other technique tips.
For example, an embodiment of a treadmill with multiple user
detection sensors may provide indications if a user is likely
bouncing from side to side or the like. Such a human analog display
1296 may incorporate an avatar within a virtual world, as described
below.
[0058] Yet another use for user detection features as described
herein is to provide input for program interactions in some
embodiments. For example, in an embodiment with multiple user
detection sensors, a FIT processor 520 may drive a workout program
that includes a virtual realty aspect, such as a graphical world
provided to a display 524. Such a graphical world can help
entertain a user during his or her workout. At various times within
a workout, the user may have the option of altering the program,
changing a virtual path within the graphical world, and/or the
like. In an embodiment, a user may stomp harder with his or her
left or right foot to select among the options. For example, the
display 524 may show a forested path so that it appears that a user
is running along it. At some point, the path may branch to the left
and right, such as with an indication that going left will be a
mountain path and right will be a path along a river. In the
example, the user may stomp with his or her left foot to choose the
mountain path or stomp with his or her right foot to choose the
river path, and the FIT processor 520 can adjust the display 524
accordingly. In an embodiment, this user input may also--or
alternatively--drive an effect within the user's workout. For
example, choosing a mountain path may also increase the treadmill's
incline as if the user was actually climbing a mountain. Other
input determinations may also be possible apart from a "stomp." For
example, the user may favor stepping closer to a left edge or a
right edge of the treadmill belt to signal making a left or right
decision. In such a case, signal strengths from multiple user
detection sensors of steps could be compared against average signal
strengths of a user stepping in a central location. If the user
favors the left side of the treadmill for a few steps, in an
embodiment, a left side user detection sensor will likely generate
greater than average signal strengths, while a right side user
detection sensor will likely generate lower than average signal
strengths. One of skill in the art will understand many other
potential uses of the user detection as an input device apart from
those illustrated as examples herein.
[0059] Although the foregoing has been described in terms of
certain specific embodiments, other embodiments will be apparent to
those of ordinary skill in the art from the disclosure herein.
Moreover, the described embodiments have been presented by way of
example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the
disclosure. Additional uses for the user detection system are
possible, including equipment diagnostics. For example, a
treadmill's motor and/or rollers could cause detectable vibration
in the sensor over normal operating parameters if the treadmill
becomes unbalanced or any of the parts are out of alignment. The
user detection sensor, such as magnet 212 and inductance coil 214,
can detect these vibrations to help in diagnosing repair issues.
Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be
embodied in a variety of other forms without departing from the
spirit thereof. Accordingly, other combinations, omissions,
substitutions, and modifications will be apparent to persons of
skill in the art in view of the disclosure herein. Thus, the
present disclosure is not limited by the preferred embodiments, but
is defined by reference to the appended claims. The accompanying
claims and their equivalents are intended to cover forms or
modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the
disclosure.
* * * * *