U.S. patent application number 12/656041 was filed with the patent office on 2010-07-29 for exercise apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Takeo Iijima, Bungo Imai, Toshio Nakano, Nozomu Tohyama.
Application Number | 20100190616 12/656041 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42354625 |
Filed Date | 2010-07-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100190616 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Imai; Bungo ; et
al. |
July 29, 2010 |
Exercise apparatus
Abstract
An exercising apparatus includes a movable unit on which a user
straddles and a driving unit for driving the movable unit. The
driving unit changes a state of the movable unit to provide the
user with an exercising load. A storage part stores corresponding
relationships between the states of the movable unit and the
messages, and a state detector detects the state of the movable
unit at approximately the same timing as the output timing
determined by an output timing determination part. A message output
part outputs messages corresponding to the user's postures
repeatedly during a period of providing the user with an exercising
load. The message output part extracts the message corresponding to
the state of the movable unit detected by the state detector from
the storage part and outputs the extracted message at the output
timing determined by the output timing determination part.
Inventors: |
Imai; Bungo; (Hirakata,
JP) ; Nakano; Toshio; (Osaka, JP) ; Tohyama;
Nozomu; (Hikone, JP) ; Iijima; Takeo; (Hikone,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BACON & THOMAS, PLLC
625 SLATERS LANE, FOURTH FLOOR
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22314-1176
US
|
Assignee: |
Panasonic Electric Works Co.,
Ltd.
Osaka
JP
|
Family ID: |
42354625 |
Appl. No.: |
12/656041 |
Filed: |
January 14, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/77 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61H 2201/5046 20130101;
A61H 1/001 20130101; A63B 2208/02 20130101; A61H 2201/5069
20130101; A63B 2220/62 20130101; A63B 2071/063 20130101; A61H
2203/0425 20130101; A63B 2220/30 20130101; A63B 2220/18 20130101;
A63B 23/0227 20130101; A63B 23/0244 20130101; A63B 69/0062
20200801; A63B 2220/40 20130101; A61H 2201/5084 20130101; A63B
23/0233 20130101; A63B 69/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/77 |
International
Class: |
A63H 13/00 20060101
A63H013/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 27, 2009 |
JP |
2009-015709 |
Claims
1. An exercising apparatus comprising: a movable unit on which a
user straddles; a driving unit for driving the movable unit, the
driving unit changing a state of the movable unit to provide the
user with an exercising load; a message output part for outputting
messages corresponding to the user's postures repeatedly during a
period of providing the user with an exercising load; an output
timing determination part for determining an output timing of the
messages by the message output part; a storage part that stores
corresponding relationships between the states of the movable unit
and the messages; and a state detector for detecting the state of
the movable unit at approximately the same timing as the output
timing determined by the output timing determination part, wherein
the message output part extracts the message corresponding to the
state of the movable unit detected by the state detector from the
storage part and outputs the extracted message at the output timing
determined by the output timing determination part.
2. The exercising apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the
state of the movable unit includes an inclination state of the
movable unit, and wherein the storage part stores the messages
which include a plurality of messages prepared depending on the
inclination state of the movable unit, and the message output part
extracts one of the plurality of messages corresponding to the
inclination state of the movable unit detected by the state
detector from the storage part and outputs the extracted
message.
3. The exercising apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the
state of the movable unit includes a rocking speed of the movable
unit, and wherein the storage part stores the messages which
include a plurality of messages prepared depending on the rocking
speed of the movable unit, and the message output part extracts one
of the plurality of messages corresponding to the rocking speed of
the movable unit detected by the state detector from the storage
part and outputs the extracted message.
4. The exercising apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the
state of the movable unit includes a rocking speed and an
inclination state of the movable unit, and wherein the storage part
stores the messages which include a plurality of messages prepared
depending on the rocking speed and the inclination state of the
movable unit, and the message output part extracts one of the
plurality of messages corresponding to the rocking speed and the
inclination state of the movable unit detected by the state
detector from the storage part and outputs the extracted
message.
5. The exercising apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the
storage part stores a plurality of user's postures to be taken for
each of the states of the movable unit, and the messages which
include a plurality of messages prepared for each of respective
combinations of the states of the movable unit and the user's
postures to be taken; and wherein the message output part randomly
selects one message, among the plurality of messages, corresponding
to the user's posture for the state of the movable unit detected by
the state detector, and outputs the selected message.
6. The exercising apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the
output timing determination part determines the output timing of
the message at random.
7. The exercising apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the
messages stored in the storage part include a plurality of messages
which are prepared depending on an elapsed time from a starting
point of the movable unit driven by the driving unit, and the
message output part extracts one of the plurality of messages
associated with the elapsed time from the starting point of the
movable unit equivalent to the output timing determined by the
output timing determination part and outputs the extracted
message.
8. The exercising apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the
storage part stores a plurality of user's postures to be taken for
each of the states of the movable unit, and the messages which
include a plurality of messages prepared for each of respective
combinations of the states of the movable unit and the user's
postures to be taken, and an output order of the plurality of
messages prepared for each of the states of the movable unit; and
the message output part outputs the plurality of messages
corresponding to the state of the movable unit detected by the
state detector, according to the output order of the plurality of
messages stored in the storage part.
9. The exercising apparatus as set forth in claim 8, wherein the
output order of the plurality of messages is determined based upon
a probability of occurrence of each of the user's postures to be
taken depending on the state of the movable unit.
10. The exercising apparatus as set forth in claim 8, wherein the
output order of the plurality of messages is determined according
to an order capable of guiding the user's posture to be appropriate
effectively.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention belongs to a technical field of an
exercising apparatus for providing a user with an exercise
load.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In recent years, great attentions have been paid for an
exercising apparatus providing a user with an exercise load similar
to a horse riding by rocking a sheet on which the user straddles.
The exercising apparatus is widely used among users of various
generations from children to elderly persons and spread to general
households as well as rehabilitation purpose medical
facilities.
[0003] This type of the exercising apparatus is, for example,
disclosed in, e.g., Japanese Patent Laid-open Application No.
2007-260184 (Patent Document). The Patent Document discloses a
technique for varying an inclination angle of an upper half body of
a user who straddles on a seat by means of changing a position of
the seat portion on which the user's hip portion is placed by
expanding and contracting an airbag built in the seat. Further, in
the Patent Document, there is described "Preferably, a storage part
stores preset operation patterns of the airbag 4, and a period, a
cycle, and a degree of expansion of the air bag 4 set by a user "A"
through the control panel 35 and operation patterns thereof. With
such configuration, a type of exercise and exercise strength can be
selected by every user "A" at the time whenever the user uses the
exercising apparatus, which assists to optimize and maintain the
exercise effects.
[0004] In order for a user to perform an effective exercise by
using such an exercising apparatus, the user needs to take an
appropriate posture depending on a movement (e.g., an inclination
state and a rocking speed) of the seat. However, user's actual
posture is often displaced from the appropriate posture.
[0005] Thus, when the user's actual posture is displaced from the
appropriate posture, an exercise load applied to the user's body
will possibly be excessive or less. In this case, it becomes
difficult for the user to perform effective and efficient
exercise.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In view of the above, the present invention provides an
exercising apparatus capable of allowing a user to perform an
effective and efficient exercise.
[0007] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is
provided an exercising apparatus including: a movable unit on which
a user straddles; a driving unit for driving the movable unit, the
driving unit changing a state of the movable unit to provide the
user with an exercising load; a message output part for outputting
a message corresponding to the user's posture repeatedly during a
period of providing the user with the exercise load; an output
timing determination part for determining an output timing of the
message by the message output part; a storage part stores
corresponding relationships between the states of the movable unit
and the messages; and a state detector for detecting the state of
the movable unit at approximately the same timing as the output
timing determined by the output timing determination part. The
message output part extracts a message corresponding to the state
of the movable unit detected by the state detector from the storage
part and outputs the message at the output timing determined by the
output timing determination unit.
[0008] According to such configuration, a state of the movable unit
is detected at the output timing determined by the output timing
determination part, and simultaneously a message corresponding to
the state of the movable unit is outputted. Accordingly, the
message can provide a user with an advice for his or her posture
which should be taken, thereby guiding the user's posture to be
appropriate.
[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the state of the
movable unit includes an inclination state of the movable unit. The
storage part stores the messages prepared depending on the
inclination state of the movable unit. The message output part
extracts one of the messages corresponding to the inclination state
detected by the state detector from the storage part to output the
message.
[0010] According to such configuration, the message corresponding
to the inclination state of the movable unit is outputted, thereby
enabling to guide the user's posture affected by the inclination
state to be appropriate.
[0011] In another embodiment of the present invention, the state of
the movable unit includes a rocking speed of the movable unit. The
storage part stores the messages prepared depending on the rocking
speed of the movable unit. The message output part extracts one of
the messages corresponding to the rocking speed detected by the
state detector from the storage part to output the message.
[0012] According to such configuration, the message corresponding
to the rocking speed of the movable unit is outputted, thereby
enabling to guide the user's posture affected by the rocking speed
to be appropriate.
[0013] In still another embodiment of the present invention, a
number of user's postures to be taken are determined with respect
to each of the states of the movable unit. Further, a number of
messages are prepared with respect to each of respective
combinations of the user's postures to be taken and the states of
the movable unit. The storage part stores the user's postures and
the messages. The message output part randomly selects one message,
among the messages, corresponding to the user's posture to be
taken, which is determined with respect to the state of the movable
unit detected by the state detector, and outputs the message.
[0014] According to such configuration, one message that is
randomly selected among the messages corresponding to the user's
postures to be taken is outputted as if an instructor guides,
wherein the user's postures are determined with respect to the
state of the movable unit detected by the state detector.
Accordingly the exercising apparatus in accordance with the present
invention allows users to hold such a feeling that the users,
themselves, are guided by the instructor, thereby improving its
attractiveness.
[0015] In still another embodiment of the present invention, the
output timing determination part determines an output timing of a
message at random.
[0016] According to such configuration, since the output timing
determination unit determines the output timing of the message at
random as if an instructor is guiding and outputs the message, the
exercising apparatus in accordance with the present invention
allows users to hold such a feeling that the users, themselves, are
guided by the instructor. Thus, attractiveness of the exercising
apparatus can be improved.
[0017] In still another embodiment of the present invention, the
messages stored in the storage part are prepared depending on an
elapsed time after starting to drive the movable unit by the
driving unit. Here, the elapsed time from the starting point of the
movable unit is equivalent to the output timing determined by the
output timing determination part. The message output part extracts
the messages in association with the elapsed time from the storage
part, and outputs the extracted messages.
[0018] According to such configuration, the message output part
outputs the message in association with the elapsed time from the
starting point of the movable unit driven by the driving unit.
Therefore, the exercising apparatus can output the message with
considerations of user's fatigue that is caused as the time passes,
or the like. Thus, the user is allowed to perform an effective
exercise.
[0019] In still another embodiment of the present invention, the
storage part stores: a plurality of user's postures to be taken
determined with respect to each of the states of the movable unit;
the messages prepared with respect to each of respective
combinations of the user's postures to be taken and the states of
the movable unit; and an output order of the messages with respect
to each state of the movable unit. The message output part outputs
the messages corresponding to the state of the movable unit
detected by the state detector, according to the output order of
the messages stored in the storage part.
[0020] According to the present invention, it is possible for a
user to perform an effective and efficient exercise by outputting
the messages in accordance with the pre-determined output order.
Here, the output order may be, for example, determined based on the
probability of occurrence of user's posture to be taken with regard
to the state of the movable unit. Further, the output order may be
determined as an order capable of guiding the user's posture to be
appropriate effectively. According to the present invention, the
exercising apparatus allows a user to perform an effective and
efficient exercise.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] The objects and features of the present invention will
become apparent from the following description of preferred
embodiments, given in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,
in which:
[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an exercising apparatus
in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 2 is a side view of the exercising apparatus;
[0024] FIG. 3 is a side view showing an internal structure of the
exercising apparatus;
[0025] FIG. 4 is an enlarged side view of a rocking mechanism;
[0026] FIG. 5 is a top view of the rocking mechanism;
[0027] FIG. 6 is a rear view of the rocking mechanism;
[0028] FIGS. 7A and 7B are views for explaining movement of the
seat;
[0029] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an electric configuration
of the exercising apparatus;
[0030] FIG. 9 is a view showing an example of contents stored in
the message storage part;
[0031] FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing a message output process in
the control unit of the first embodiment;
[0032] FIG. 11 is a view showing the modification of the contents
stored in the message storage part;
[0033] FIG. 12 is a view showing the modification of the contents
stored in the message storage part;
[0034] FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing a message output process in
the control unit of a second embodiment of the present
invention;
[0035] FIG. 14 is a view showing the modification of the contents
stored in the message storage part;
[0036] FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing a message output process in
the control section of a third embodiment of the present
invention;
[0037] FIG. 16 is a view showing the modification of the contents
stored in the message storage part;
[0038] FIGS. 17A and 17B are a view showing the modification of the
contents stored in the message storage part;
[0039] FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing a message output process in
the control unit of a fourth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0040] FIGS. 19A and 19B are a flow chart showing a message output
process in the control unit of a fifth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0041] FIG. 20 is a view showing the modification of the contents
stored in the message storage part;
[0042] FIG. 21 is a view showing the outside of the display unit;
and
[0043] FIG. 22 is a view showing a deformation form of the
exercising apparatus, and is a flow chart showing a warning process
carried out before the user inputs a start command.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
First Embodiment
[0044] A first embodiment of the exercising apparatus in accordance
with the present invention will be described in the following. FIG.
1 is an outside perspective view showing the first embodiment of
the exercising apparatus in accordance with the present invention,
and FIG. 2 is a side view of the exercising apparatus.
[0045] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an exercising apparatus 1
includes a seat 2 having approximately a horseback or a saddle
shape on which a user can straddle and sit down; a rocking
mechanism 3 for rocking the seat 2; a lifting mechanism 4 for
moving up and down the seat 2 between an upper position "U" and a
lower position "D" by an electric motor and a rack pinion gear, to
adjust a height of the seat 2; a pair of foot rests 6 suspended by
a pair of hinge pins 5 which is provided on right and left sides of
the seat 2, the foot rest being rotatable in the forward/backward
direction and having a wheel part on which a user puts his or her
toes at a lower end thereof; a handle 7 provided in the front
portion of the seat 2 so as to be pivotally moved in the
forward/backward direction; and a leg 8 supporting the seat 2 and
the rocking unit 3.
[0046] FIG. 3 is a side view showing an internal structure of the
exercising apparatus 1, FIG. 4 is an enlarged side view showing the
rocking mechanism 3, FIG. 5 is the top view thereof, and FIG. 6 is
a rear view thereof. In FIGS. 3, 4 and 6, two-dotted chain lines
show the state of a rocking mechanism 3 when making a reciprocating
movement.
[0047] A seat connection member 9 on which the seat 2 is mounted is
pivotally supported on a pivotal support member 11 via pairs of
link members 10 respectively provided on the left side and the
right side of the exercising apparatus 1, so that the seat
connection member 9 rocks forward and backward. The pivotal support
member 11 is pivotally supported on a base member 12, so that the
pivotal support member 11 rocks leftward and rightward. A driving
unit 13 is disposed between the seat connection member 9 and the
pivotal support member 11. The link members 10 include front link
members 10a and rear link members 10b. An upper end of the front
link member 10a is pivotally connected to an upper pin 9a attached
to a front end of the seat connection member 9, and a lower end of
the front link member 10a is pivotally connected to a lower pin 15a
attached to a front end of a side wall 16 of the pivotal support
member 11. An upper end of the rear link member 10b is pivotally
connected to an upper pin 9b attached to a rear end of the seat
connection member 9, and a lower end of the rear link member 10b is
pivotally connected to a lower pin 15b attached to a rear end of
the side wall 14 of the pivotal support member 11. The front and
rear lower pins 15a, 15b constitute lateral axes 15, 15 extending
in the left-right direction. The link members 10, 10 are pivotally
supported by the front and rear lateral axes 15, 15 about the Y
axis extending in the left-right direction. With this arrangement,
the seat connection member 9 is able to make reciprocating
rotational motions about the lateral axes 15, in forward and
backward directions as indicated by the arrows "M" in FIG. 4.
[0048] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, upright pin support walls 16, 16
are formed at opposite ends of the base member 12 in the forward
and backward direction shown by the arrows "X", respectively.
Linking flanges 17, 17 extend downwards at opposite ends of the
pivotal support member 11 in the forward-backward direction "X" and
at positions opposing the pin support walls 16, 16, respectively,
and the linking flanges 17, 17 are pivotally connected to the
corresponding pin support walls 16, 16 by way of shafts 18
extending in the forward and backward direction. The shafts 18 are
respectively disposed in front and rear end portions of the base
member 12 at the center portion thereof to pivotally support the
pivotal support member 11. With this arrangement, the seat
connection member 9 is allowed to make reciprocating rotational
motions in leftward and rightward directions as indicated by the
arrows "N" in FIG. 6 about the shafts 18, 18.
[0049] The driving unit 13 includes a motor 19 of a stand alone
type, and a first and a second driver 13a, 13b for converting a
rotation torque of an output shaft 20 of the motor 19 into
rectilinear reciprocating motions in the forward and backward
direction, i.e., in the X-directions of the seat connection member
9, reciprocating rotational motions about the lateral axes 15, 15,
and reciprocating rotational motions about the shafts 18 to drive
the seat 2 by combining these three different motions. The motor 19
in this embodiment is installed upright on the base member 12, with
the output shaft 20 extending vertically upward.
[0050] The first driver 13a is used to make rectilinear
reciprocating motions in the X-direction, and reciprocating
rotational motions about the lateral axes 15, 15. The second driver
13b is used to make reciprocating rotational motions about the
shafts 18. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first driver 13a includes
a first shaft 23 which is coupled to the output shaft 20 via a
motor gear 21 and a first gear 22, an eccentric crank 24 (see FIG.
5) which is eccentrically connected to an end of the first shaft
17, and an arm link member 25 having an end thereof connected to
the eccentric crank 24 and the other end thereof pivotally
connected to a pin 10c attached to the front link member 10a. The
opposite ends of the first shaft 23 are respectively pivotally
connected to the seat connection member 9. The eccentric crank 24
makes eccentric rotation relative to the first shaft 23. With this
arrangement, the front link member 10a reciprocates in the
X-direction via the arm link member 25, whereby the seat connection
member 9, i.e., the seat 2 connected to the link members 10, 10
rocks in the direction of the arrows "M" shown in FIGS. 3 and
4.
[0051] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the second driver 13b includes a
second shaft 28 connected to an association gear 26 of the first
shaft 23 via a second gear 27, and an eccentric rod 29 having an
end thereof eccentrically connected to an end of the second shaft
28 and the other end thereof pivotally connected to the base member
12. The opposite ends of the second shaft 28 are respectively
pivotally connected to the seat connection member 9. The eccentric
rod 29 is disposed on the left or right side of the seat connection
member 9. In FIGS. 5 and 6, the eccentric rod 29 is disposed on the
right side of the seat connection member 9. An upper end 29a of the
eccentric rod 29 is eccentrically connected to the end of the
second shaft 28 by a pin 60 shown in FIG. 6. A lower end 29b of the
eccentric rod 29 is pivotally connected to a substantially L-shaped
bracket 30 secured to the base member 12 by a shaft pin. 31. With
this arrangement, the upper end 29a of the eccentric rod 29 makes
eccentric rotation as the second shaft 28 is rotated, whereby the
seat connection member 9, i.e., the seat 2 is enabled to make
reciprocating rotational motions about the shafts 18 in the
direction of the arrows "N" shown in FIG. 6.
[0052] In the above construction, when the output shaft 20
extending upward from the motor 19 is rotated, the first shaft 23
is rotated through the first gear 22 in mesh with the motor gear
21. Simultaneously, the second shaft 28 is rotated through the
second gear 27 in mesh with the association gear 26 of the first
shaft 23. In association with the rotation of the first shaft 23,
the eccentric crank connected to the one end of the first shaft 23
makes eccentric rotation, with the result that the front link
member 10a swings in the X-directions about the front lateral axis
15 via the arm link member 25. At this time, the rear link member
10b swings about the rear lateral axis in cooperation with the
pivotal rotation of the front link member 10a. Thereby, the seat
connection member 9, i.e., the seat 2 rocks while making
reciprocating movements in the X-directions. On the other hand, the
upper end 29a of the eccentric rod 29 makes eccentric rotation as
the second shaft 28 is rotated, whereby the seat connection member
9, i.e., the seat 2 makes reciprocating rotational motions about
the shafts 18.
[0053] In this way, the seat 2 makes rocking motions in forward and
backward directions, i.e., in X-directions, leftward and rightward
directions, i.e., in Y-directions, upward and downward directions,
i.e., in Z-directions, as well as swing motions in
.theta.X-directions, .theta.Y-directions, and .theta.Z-directions
(see FIGS. 7A and 7B), while the user straddles the seat 2, thereby
allowing the user to exercise balance training or promote physical
fitness. Further, the apparatus 1 provides the three different
motions with use of the single motor 19. This arrangement
contributes to reduction of the number of motors to be used,
provides easy control, and provides an inexpensive and compact
exercising apparatus. Further, since the output shaft 20 of the
motor extends upward in one direction, the motor 19 is mountable in
upright position. As compared with an arrangement that a motor is
provided with two output shafts extending in two different
directions and is mounted in transverse position, this arrangement
enables to reduce the installation space for the entirety of the
rocking mechanism including the motor 19, which contributes to
miniaturization of the rocking mechanism 3. Thereby, the apparatus
1 can accurately reproduce an intended motion simulating horseback
riding, with the miniaturized rocking mechanism 3 being housed in
the seat 2.
[0054] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of
the exercising apparatus 1. The same configurations as those shown
in FIGS. 1 to 7 are identified by the same reference numerals, and
the explanation is omitted.
[0055] As shown in FIG. 8, the exercising apparatus 1 has a rocking
mechanism 3, a lifting mechanism 4, a display part 32, a sound
output part 33, an input operation part 34, sensor part 35, a
storage part 36, and a control unit 37, wherein each of the above
parts is operated by power supply, for example, from a commercial
power source.
[0056] The display part 32 has an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display),
which displays a video, message to a user (e.g., exercise levels,
residual time and consumed calorie) and so on. Note that the
display part 32 may have a plasma display device instead of an LCD.
Further, the display part 32 may be provided with an LED (Light
Emitting Diode) serving as light emitting body, a seven-segment
LED, or the like.
[0057] Besides, as shown in FIG. 21, the display part 32 may be
provided with light-emitting lamps 101 to 105 respectively
indicating ON/OFF states of voice, sound effect, LED, an LCD, and a
vibration function, and light-emitting lamps 106, 107 respectively
indicating ON/OFF states of a plurality of modes (here, an advanced
mode and a beginner mode) having various difficulties and loads in
strength and speed of rocking the seat 2.
[0058] The sound output part 33, for example, is composed of a
loudspeaker converting electric signal (sound signal) into audible
sound, which outputs sounds such as music, message to a user.
[0059] The input operation part 34 is configured to include: a
power button for turning on and off the main power supply of the
exercising apparatus 1; a switch for selecting one of the plurality
of modes having various difficulties and loads in strength and
speed of rocking the seat 2; a switch for regulating a height and
an angle of the seat 2; and so on, which are not shown in the
drawings. Further, the input operation part 34 may be configured to
affix a touch panel to the LCD panel, wherein the touch panel is
configured such that striped pressure-sensitive elements made of
transparent material are longitudinally and laterally arranged at a
predetermined pitch respectively and are covered with a transparent
cover.
[0060] The sensor part 35 serves for detecting movement of the
exercising apparatus 1 and, for instance, is composed of an
acceleration sensor with a piezo-electric element. Note that the
sensor part 35 serves for detecting acceleration of the rocking
motion in the forward and backward direction (the left and right
direction in FIG. 2).
[0061] The storage part 36, for example, is composed of a
nonvolatile memory or HDD, which memorizes various kinds of data.
The storage part 36 may not only be accommodated in the exercising
apparatus 1, but also be attached to the body of the exercising
apparatus 1 detachably via connecting terminal, such as USB
connector.
[0062] The control unit 37 has a microcomputer provided with: CPU
(Central Processing Unit) (not shown); ROM (Read Only Memory) that
stores a program regulating operations of the CPU; and RAM (Random
Access Memory) having function for storing data temporarily or
serving as a workspace. Thus the control unit 37 can manage whole
control of the exercising apparatus 1.
[0063] In the exercising apparatus 1 with the above configurations,
this embodiment is different from a conventional exercising
apparatus in that the embodiment outputs the message in association
with user's posture which should be taken in a real-time manner
when the exercising apparatus 1 is utilized (during a play).
[0064] In order to realize this function, in this embodiment, the
storage part 36 includes a message storage part 36a that stores
pre-determined messages to be outputted from the sound output part
33. Further, the control unit 37 includes a message output timing
determination part 38, a time counting part 39, a rocking speed
detector 40, an inclination state detector 41, an output message
determination part 42, and an output message control part 43.
[0065] The message storage part 36a stores a plurality of messages.
The messages are, mainly, advice and instruction for guiding the
user's posture to be appropriate. For instance, in the case where
the inclination state of the seat 2 is a "forward inclination" and
the rocking speed of the seat 2 has a certain level (e.g., level
"1"), messages corresponding to such advices as "Stretch your upper
half body upward straightly" and "Move your waist according to the
movement so as not to swing your head" are stored in the message
storage part 36a. Such messages are prepared for every combination
of the inclination state and the rocking speed of the seat 2.
[0066] FIG. 9 exemplarily shows messages prepared in the case where
the inclination state of the seat 2 is a "forward inclination" and
the rocking speed of the seat 2 has a certain level (e.g., level
"1"). However, the message storage part 36a may store messages
prepared in the case where the rocking speed of the seat 2 has
another level other than the above-mentioned level and the
inclination state of the seat 2 is the "forward inclination", or in
the case where the inclination state of the seat 2 is another
inclination state other than the above-mentioned "forward
inclination" (e.g., "rearward inclination") and the rocking speed
of the seat 2 has the certain level.
[0067] The message output timing determination part 38 determines
the timing that carries out an operation of outputting the message
stored in the message storage part 36a. In the embodiment, the
message output timing determination part 38 determines a time
interval from the last message output timing to next message output
timing at random, as if an instructor guides. Further, the message
output timing determination part 38 determines the next message
output timing by using the determined time interval.
[0068] The time counting part 39 counts an elapsed time from the
last message output timing, in order to check whether or not the
present time reaches the message output timing determined by the
message output timing determination part 38.
[0069] The rocking speed detector 40 detects rocking speed of the
seat 2. The inclination state detector 41 detects an inclination
state of the seat 2. In the exercising apparatus 1 of the
embodiment, the inclination state and the rocking speed of the seat
2 at each point of time are programmed by a pre-designed program.
The rocking speed detector 40 and the inclination state detector 41
extract the rocking speed and the inclination state of the seat 2
at approximately the same timing as the message output timing
determined by the message output timing determination part from the
above-mentioned program. Alternatively, the rocking speed detector
40 and the inclination state detector 41 may detect the rocking
speed and the inclination state of the seat 2 by using a
sensor.
[0070] The output message determination part 42 selects one message
among a plurality of messages at random as if an instructor guides,
wherein the plurality of messages are prepared with regard to the
combination of the rocking speed detected by the rocking speed
detector 40 and the inclination state detected by the inclination
state detector 41. Thus, the output message determination part 42
determines the selected message as a target message to be
outputted.
[0071] When the time counted by the time counting part 39 reaches
to the message output timing determined by the message output
timing determination part 38, the message output control part 43
causes the sound output part 33 to output the message determined by
the output message determination part 42.
[0072] FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing message output process by
the control unit 37. Here, the explanation will be given assuming
that either of the advanced mode and the beginner mode has already
been selected.
[0073] As shown in FIG. 10, the message output timing determination
part 38 determines a time interval from the last message output
timing to the next message output timing at random, as if an
instructor guides (Step S1).
[0074] Next, the control unit 37 checks whether or not the time
interval, determined by the above-mentioned message output timing
determination part 38, is less than or equal to a residual time
from the present time to the time of completing the play (Step S2).
If the time interval exceeds the residual time ("NO" in Step S2),
the process proceeds to Step S9.
[0075] On the other hand, when the control unit 37 checks that the
time interval determined by the message output timing determination
part 38 is less than or equal to the residual time in step S2
("YES" in Step S2), the rocking speed detector 40 detects the
rocking speed of the seat 2 at the present time (Step S3), and the
inclination state detector 41 detects the inclination state of the
seat 2 at the present time (Step S4). Strictly speaking, the
rocking speed and the inclination state of the seat 2 detected in
Steps S3 and S4 are not identical to those at the message output
timing determined by the message output timing determination part
38. However, since the process as shown in the flow chart of FIG.
10 is carried out within a very short cycle, the rocking speed and
the inclination state of the seat 2 can be regarded as being same
to those at the message output timing determined by the message
output timing determination unit 38 (this applies in other
embodiments).
[0076] Next, the output message determination part 42 extracts,
from the message storage part 36a, the messages prepared with
regard to the combination of the rocking speed detected by the
rocking speed detector 40 in Step S3 and the inclination state
detected by the inclination state detector 41 in Step S4 (Step S5).
Among the extracted messages, one message is selected as if an
instructor guides, and the message is determined as a target
message to be outputted (Step S6).
[0077] The message output control part 43 checks whether or not the
time counted by the time counting part 39 reaches to the message
output timing specified by the time interval, which is determined
by the message output timing determination part 38 in Step S1 (Step
S7). When checking that the time has reached to the message output
timing, the message output control part 43 causes the sound output
part to output the message determined by the output message
determination part 42 (Step S8). On the other hand, in Step S7,
when the message output control part 43 checks that the time has
not reached to the message output timing, the process returns to
Step S3 and Steps S3 to S6 are carried out.
[0078] Then, the control unit 37 checks whether or not the time has
reached to the timing of completing the play (Step S9). When
checking that the time has not reached to the timing of completing
the play ("NO" in Step S9), the process returns to Step S1. On the
other hand, when checking that the time has reached to the timing
("YES" in Step S9), the control unit 37 turns off the exercising
apparatus 1 (Step S10) to complete a series of process.
[0079] As described above, the present embodiment is provided with
the function capable of outputting the messages with regard to
advices for guiding user's postures to be appropriate in a real
time manner, so that the user's posture can be guided to be
appropriate.
[0080] Further, since the present embodiment determines the message
and the output timing thereof at random as if an instructor guides,
the exercising apparatus 1 allows users to hold such a feeling that
an instructor guides themselves, thereby improving its
attractiveness.
Second Embodiment
[0081] The second embodiment is identical to the first embodiment
in that these embodiments output a message pre-associated with a
combination of the rocking speed detected by the rocking speed
detector 40 and the inclination state detected by the inclination
state detector 41. However, the second embodiment differs from the
first embodiment in that the second embodiment pre-determines an
output order of outputting each message such that a user can
perform more effective exercises and outputs a message according to
the output order, whereas the first embodiment randomly selects one
message from a plurality of messages and outputs the message as if
an instructor guides.
[0082] Note that only the difference from the first embodiment will
be explained and an explanation about the other configurations same
as those of the first embodiment will be omitted. Since the
exercising apparatus in accordance with the present embodiment has
the same structure as that shown in FIG. 1, the explanation will be
made by utilizing FIG. 1. FIGS. 11 and 12 show exemplary messages
prepared in the case where the inclination state of the seat 2 is a
"forward inclination" and the rocking speeds of the seat 2 have
certain levels of "1" to "3".
[0083] Further, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, in the present
embodiment, a plurality of messages are prepared for each of
combinations of the inclination state of the seat 2 and the rocking
speeds of the seat 2, respectively. Furthermore, in this
embodiment, each message has an output order among the messages
corresponding to the combination, and the message storage part 36a
stores the output order of each message.
[0084] For instance, as shown in FIG. 11, when seven messages are
prepared in the case where the inclination state of the seat 2 is a
"forward inclination" and the rocking speed of the seat 2 has a
certain level (e.g., level "1"), the output orders from "1" to "7"
are set to each of the messages, respectively.
[0085] When the exercising apparatus 1 is provided with two modes
having different difficulties and loads in strength and speed of
the rocking motion, FIGS. 11 and 12 show exemplary messages for the
modes, respectively. Namely, FIG. 11 shows the messages for the
beginner mode of which difficulties and loads are relatively low.
FIG. 12 shows the message for the advanced mode of which
difficulties and loads are relatively high.
[0086] The output message determination part 42 selects a message
having the output order in which the message should be outputted at
this time and determines the message as a target message to be
outputted, wherein the message is selected among the plurality of
messages corresponding to the combination of the rocking speed
detected by the rocking speed detector 40 and the inclination state
detected by the inclination state detector 41.
[0087] For instance, in the advanced mode shown in FIG. 12, assume
that the inclination state of the seat 2 detected by the
inclination state detector 41 is a "forward inclination" and the
rocking speed of the seat 2 detected by the rocking speed detector
40 has a certain level (e.g., level "1"). When the order of "1" has
been selected at the previous time so that the message of "tilt
your upper half body backwardly a little" has been outputted, the
output message determination part 42 selects the order of "2" at
this time (next time). Accordingly, the message of "move your waist
according to the motion so as not to swing your head" is determined
as a target message to be outputted.
[0088] FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing message output process by
the control unit 37. Here, the following explanation will be given
on the assumption that either of the advanced mode and the beginner
mode has been already chosen.
[0089] As shown in FIG. 13, the message output timing determination
part 38 determines a time interval from the last message output
timing to the next message output timing at random (Step S11).
Next, the control unit 37 checks whether or not the time interval,
determined by the above-mentioned message output timing
determination part 38, is less than or equal to a residual time
from the present time to the time of completing the play (Step
S111). When the time interval exceeds the residual time ("NO" in
Step S111), the process proceeds to Step S17.
[0090] On the other hand, when the control unit 37 checks that the
time interval determined by the message output timing determination
part 38 is less than or equal to the residual time in step S111
("YES" in Step S111), the rocking speed detector 40 detects the
rocking speed of the seat 2 at the present time (Step S12), and the
inclination state detector 41 detects the inclination state of the
seat 2 at the present time (Step S13).
[0091] The output message determination part 42 selects a message
having the output order in which the message should be outputted at
this time, according to the order data stored in the message
storage part 36a, and determines the message as a target message to
be outputted, wherein the message is selected from a plurality of
messages corresponding to the combination of the rocking speed
detected by the rocking speed detector 40 in Step S12 and the
inclination state detected by the inclination state detector 41 in
Step S13 (Step S14).
[0092] The message output control unit 43 checks whether or not the
time counted by the time counting part 39 reaches to the message
output timing specified by the time interval, which is determined
by the message output timing determination part 38 in Step S11
(Step S15). When checking that the time has reached to the message
output timing ("YES" in Step S15), the message output control part
43 causes the sound output part 33 to output the message determined
by the output message determination part 42 (Step S16). On the
other hand, in Step S15, when the message output control part 43
checks that the time has not reached to the message output timing,
the process returns to Step S12 and Steps S12 to Step S14 are
carried out.
[0093] Then, the control unit 37 checks whether or not the time has
reached to the timing of completing the play (Step S17). When
checking that the time has not reached to the play completing
timing yet ("NO" in Step S17), the process returns to Step S11.
When checking that the time has reached to the timing of completing
the play ("YES" in Step S17), the control unit 37 turns off a power
supply of the exercising apparatus 1 (Step S18), and a series of
process is completed.
[0094] As described above, the present embodiment is provided with
the function capable of outputting the messages with regard to
advices for guiding a user's posture to be appropriate in a real
time manner, so that the user's posture can be guided to be
appropriate.
[0095] Further, since the present embodiment determines the output
timing of the message at random as if an instructor guides, the
exercising apparatus 1 allows users to hold such a feeling that an
instructor guides themselves, thereby improving its
attractiveness.
[0096] Furthermore, the output order of the messages is
pre-determined such that a user is provided with an effective
exercise, and the messages are outputted according to the order.
Thus, the user can perform more effective exercise than the first
embodiment.
[0097] Generally, in the exercising apparatus 1, an amount of
displacement from the appropriate posture increases as it comes
closer to user's head among portions of user's body. Accordingly,
providing the user with an advice or instruction with regard to the
posture of user's head or portion close to user's head is
considered to be more effective for correcting user's posture,
compared with providing the user with an advice or instruction with
regard to the posture of user's portion far from user's head (a
portion close to user's waist).
[0098] In consideration of this point, by pre-setting an order in
which messages should be outputted and outputting the messages
according to the order, a user is allowed to perform an effective
and efficient exercise.
Third Embodiment
[0099] The third embodiment is identical to the first and second
embodiments in that these embodiments output a message
corresponding to the combination of the rocking speed detected by
the rocking speed detector 40 and the inclination state detected by
the inclination state detector 41. However, the third embodiment is
different from the first and second embodiments in that a time
schedule for outputting messages is pre-determined and the messages
are outputted according to the time schedule.
[0100] Note that only the difference from the first and second
embodiments will be explained and an explanation about the other
configurations same as those of the first and second embodiments
will be omitted. Since an exercising apparatus in accordance with
the present embodiment also has the same structure as that shown in
FIG. 1, the explanation will be made by utilizing FIG. 1.
[0101] As shown in FIG. 14, in the present embodiment, a plurality
of messages are prepared for each of combinations of the
inclination state of the seat 2, the rocking speed of the seat 2,
and an elapsed time from a start point of a play. The message
storage part 36a stores the messages, which are prepared for each
of the combinations of the inclination state of the seat 2, the
rocking speed of the seat 2, and the elapsed time from a start
point of a play.
[0102] For instance, as indicated by a mark "A" in FIG. 14, seven
messages are prepared in the case where an elapsed time from a
start point of a play is "60 to 90 seconds", in addition to the
case where the inclination state of the seat 2 is a "forward
inclination" and the rocking speed of the seat 2 has a certain
level (e.g., level "1").
[0103] The output message determination part 42 extracts a
plurality of messages corresponding to the combination of the
rocking speed detected by the rocking speed detector 40, the
inclination state detected by the inclination state detector 41,
and the elapsed time from the start point of the play. Further, the
output message determination part 42 randomly selects one message
among the plurality of extracted messages as if an instructor
guides, and determines the selected message as a target message to
be outputted.
[0104] For instance, in the case where the inclination state of the
seat 2 is a "forward inclination", the rocking speed of the seat 2
has a level "1", and an elapsed time from a start point of a play
is "60 to 90 seconds", the output message determination part 42
extracts the plurality of messages indicated by a mark "A". Next,
the output message determination part 42 randomly selects one
message among the plurality of messages as if an instructor guides.
In this case, the message is, for example, "look forward straightly
with your eyes" as indicated by a mark "B". Finally, the output
message determination part 42 determines the message as a target
message to be outputted.
[0105] Further, in the same inclination state and rocking speed,
when the elapsed time from the start point of the play becomes
"more than 90 seconds", one message is selected at random among a
plurality of messages corresponding to the combination as if an
instructor guides, and the message is outputted.
[0106] FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing message output process by
the control unit 37.
[0107] As shown in FIG. 15, the message output timing determination
part 38 determines a time interval from the last message output
timing to the next one at random (Step S21). Next, the control unit
37 checks whether or not the time interval determined by the
message output timing determination part 38 is less than or equal
to a residual time from the present time to the time of completing
the play (Step S211). When the time interval exceeds the remaining
time ("NO" in Step S211), the process proceeds to Step S28.
[0108] On the other hand, when the control unit 37 checks that the
time interval determined by the message output timing determination
part 38 is less than or equal to the residual time in step S211
("YES" in Step S211), the rocking speed detector 40 detects the
rocking speed of the seat 2 at the present time (Step S22), and the
inclination state detector 41 detects the inclination state of the
seat 2 at the present time (Step S23). Further, the output message
determination part 42 detects the elapsed time from a start point
of the play (Step S24).
[0109] The output message determination part 42 extracts a
plurality of messages corresponding to a combination of the rocking
speed detected by the rocking speed detector 40, the inclination
state detected by the inclination state detector 41, and the time
elapsed from the start point of the play. Then, the output message
determination part 42 randomly selects one message among the
extracted messages and determines the message as a target message
to be outputted (Step S25).
[0110] Subsequently, the message output control part 43 checks
whether or not a time counted by the time count part 39 reaches to
a message output timing specified by the time interval determined
by the message output timing determination part 38 (Step S26). When
checking that the time has reached the message output timing ("YES"
in Step S26), the message output control section 43 causes the
sound output part 33 to output the message determined by the output
message determination part 42 (Step S27). On the other hand, in
Step S26, when the message output control section 43 checks that
the time has not reached to the message output timing, the process
returns to Step S22, and Steps S22 to Step S24 are carried out.
[0111] Next, the control unit 37 checks whether or not the time has
reached to the timing of completing the play (Step S28). When
checking that the time has not reached to the message output timing
("NO" in Step S28), the process returns to Step 21. On the other
hand, when checking that the time has reached the timing of
completing the play ("YES" in Step S28), the control part 37 turns
off the power supply of the exercise apparatus 1 (Step S29), and a
series of process is completed.
[0112] As described above, the present embodiment is provided with
the function capable of outputting the messages with regard to
advices for guiding a user's posture to be appropriate in a real
time manner, so that the user's posture can be guided to be
appropriate.
[0113] By outputting messages according to the time schedule, this
embodiment can output the message depending on user's fatigue or
the like, thereby enabling the user to perform more effective
exercises than that of the first embodiment.
[0114] Here, as an aspect of outputting the messages according to
the time schedule, the elapsed time from the start point of the
play is divided into a plurality of time ranges, and a plurality of
messages are prepared for each of the time ranges. One message is
selected at random among the plurality of messages corresponding to
the time range including the present time, and the message is
outputted. However, the present invention is not limited to the
above. For instance, as shown in FIG. 16, messages may be outputted
at a certain time interval (e.g., at every 5 seconds) which starts
from the starting point of the play and messages may be
pre-determined depending on the inclination state and the rocking
speed of the seat 2 at their output timings (elapsed time), so that
the messages respectively corresponding to the message output
timings are outputted.
Fourth Embodiment
[0115] In this embodiment, a plurality of inappropriate postures
occurring in a combination of an inclination state and a rocking
speed of the seat 2 (hereinafter referred to as "inappropriate
posture") are previously set. Besides, a message that should be
outputted for each of the inappropriate postures is pre-assumed.
For the inappropriate postures, occurrence ranks are sequentially
assigned thereto from one having a higher probability of
occurrence, and messages therefor are outputted according to the
ranks.
[0116] Note that only the difference from the above-mentioned
embodiments will be explained and an explanation about the other
configurations same as those of the aforementioned embodiments will
be omitted. Since an exercising apparatus in accordance with the
present embodiment also has the same structure as that shown in
FIG. 1, the explanation will be made by using FIG. 1.
[0117] As shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, in this embodiment, a
plurality of messages are prepared for each of combinations of the
inclination state of the seat 2 and the rocking speed of seat 2.
Here, in this embodiment, a plurality of inappropriate postures
occurring in a combination of an inclination state and a rocking
speed of the seat 2 are previously set, and a message that should
be outputted for each of the inappropriate postures is prepared one
by one. Furthermore, occurrence ranks are previously assigned to
the inappropriate postures from one having a higher probability of
occurrence.
[0118] As indicated by a mark "C" in FIG. 17A, seven inappropriate
postures of "upper half body inclines forward", "head swings",
"face turns downward", "one relies on handle", "shoulders are
stiffened", "foot rest swings", and "foot rest rises in an opposite
direction" are previously set, wherein the postures are possible to
occur in the case where the inclination state of the seat 2 is a
"forward inclination" and the rocking speed of the seat 2 has a
level "1". At the same time, such messages as "stretch your upper
half body straightly", "move your waist according to the motion so
as not to swing your head", "look forward straightly with your
eyes", "keep your balance by using your waist without relying on
the handle", "relieve your shoulder", "keep raising the foot rest
up forwardly a little", and "raise the foot rest up forwardly" are
prepared for the corresponding inappropriate postures one by
one.
[0119] Furthermore, the seven inappropriate postures, i.e., "upper
half body inclines forward", "face turns downward", "shoulders are
stiffened", "head swings", "one relies on handle", "foot rest
swings", and "foot rest rises in an opposite direction", occur in
the order of increasing its probability, so that the occurrence
ranks are determined in this order. Note that, with regard to the
levels of "1" to "3" of the rocking speed shown in FIGS. 17A and
17B, level "1" denotes the minimum rocking speed, and level "3"
denotes the maximum rocking speed.
[0120] The output message determination part 42 determines the
occurrence ranks of the inappropriate postures as the output order
of the messages prepared for the respective inappropriate postures,
wherein the messages correspond to the combination of the rocking
speed detected by the rocking speed detector 40 and the inclination
state detected by the inclination state detector 41.
[0121] Namely, the output message determination part 42 determines
the output order of the messages prepared for the inappropriate
postures, i.e., "stretch your upper half body straightly", "look
straight forwardly with your eyes", "relieve your shoulders", "move
your waist according to the motion so as not to swing your head",
"keep your balance with your waist without relying on the handle",
"keep raising the foot rest up forwardly a little", and "raise the
foot rest up forwardly" in this order, in the case where the
inclination state of the seat 2 is a "forwardly inclination" and
the rocking speed of the seat 2 has the level "1".
[0122] The output message determination part 42 selects a message
to be outputted according to this output order of the message. For
instance, the case is supposed that the inclination state of the
seat 2 is a "forwardly inclination" and the rocking speed of the
seat 2 has the level "1". When outputting the third message among
the plurality of messages indicated by a mark "C", the output
message determination part 42 selects the message of "relieve your
shoulders" corresponding to the inappropriate posture of "shoulders
are stiffened" having the third probability of occurrence.
[0123] FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing message output process
controlled by the control unit 37.
[0124] As shown in FIG. 18, the message output timing determination
part 38 determines a time interval from the last message output
timing to the next message output timing at random (Step S31).
Next, the control section 37 checks whether or not the time
interval, determined by the message output timing determination
part 38, is less than or equal to a residual time from the present
time to the time of completing a play (Step S311). When the time
interval exceeds the residual time ("NO" in Step S311), the process
proceeds to Step S37.
[0125] On the other hand, when the control unit 37 checks that the
time interval determined by the message output timing determination
part 38 is less than or equal to the residual time in step S211
("YES" in Step S211), the rocking speed detector 40 detects the
rocking speed of the seat 2 at the present time (Step S32), and the
inclination state detector 41 detects the inclination state of the
seat 2 at the present time (Step S33).
[0126] The output message determination part 42 determines the
message to be outputted based upon the combination of the rocking
speed detected by the rocking speed detector 40 in Step S32, the
inclination state detected by the inclination state detector 41 in
Step S33, and the output order of the message (Step S34).
[0127] The message output control unit 43 checks whether or not the
time counted by the time counting part 39 reaches to the message
output timing specified by the time interval, which is determined
by the message output timing determination part 38 (Step S35). When
checking that the time has reached to the message output timing
("YES" in Step S35), the message output control part 43 causes the
sound output part 33 to output the message determined by the output
message determination part 42 (Step S36). On the other hand, in
Step S35, when the message output control part 43 checks that the
time has not reached to the message output timing, the process
returns to Step S32 and Steps S32 to S34 are carried out.
[0128] Then, the control unit 37 checks whether or not the time has
reached to the timing of completing the play (Step S37). When
checking that the time has not reached to the play completing
timing yet ("NO" in Step S37), the process returns to Step S31. On
the other hand, when checking that the time has reached the timing
of completing the play ("YES" in Step S37), the control unit 37
turns off a power supply of the exercising apparatus 1 (Step S38),
and a series of process is completed.
[0129] As described above, the present embodiment is provided with
the function capable of outputting the messages with regard to
advices for guiding a user's posture to be appropriate in a real
time manner, so that the user's posture can be guided to be
appropriate.
[0130] Further, since the present embodiment determines the output
timing of the message at random as if an instructor guides, the
exercising apparatus 1 allows users to hold such a feeling that an
instructor guides themselves, thereby improving its
attractiveness.
[0131] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the inappropriate
postures occurring in the combination of the inclination state and
the rocking speed of the seat 2 are previously set. Besides, the
messages for the respective inappropriate postures are prepared,
the output order thereof is determined in accordance with the
degree of the probability of occurrence, and the messages are
outputted in accordance with the output order. Accordingly, the
user can take more appropriate postures than in the first
embodiment, thereby enabling the user to perform more effective
exercises.
Fifth Embodiment
[0132] The fifth embodiment is identical to the fourth embodiment
in that these embodiments previously set a plurality of
inappropriate postures occurring in a combination of an inclination
state and a rocking speed of the seat 2 and pre-determine a message
that should be outputted for each of the inappropriate postures.
However, the fifth embodiment is different from the fourth
embodiment in that a message corresponding to the inappropriate
posture having a higher probability of occurrence is outputted more
frequently than a message corresponding to the inappropriate
posture having a lower probability of occurrence while the messages
corresponding to the inappropriate postures are outputted in the
order of increasing the probability of occurrence in the forth
embodiment.
[0133] Note that only the difference from the above-mentioned
embodiments will be explained and an explanation about the other
configurations same as those of the aforementioned embodiments will
be omitted. Since an exercising apparatus in accordance with the
present embodiment also has the same structure as that shown in
FIG. 1, the explanation will be made by using FIG. 1.
[0134] The message storage part 36a of this embodiment stores a
table similar to that of the fourth embodiment (e.g., the table as
shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B).
[0135] Based on the rocking speed and the inclination state
detected by the rocking speed detector 40 and the inclination state
detector 41, the output message determination part 42 recognizes
the probability of occurrence of the inappropriate postures
associated with the combination of the rocking speed and the
inclination state. Subsequently, the output message determination
part 42 determines an output sequence of the massages prepared for
the respective inappropriate postures, according to a predetermined
rule in which a message corresponding to the inappropriate posture
having a higher probability of occurrence is outputted more
frequently than a message corresponding to the inappropriate
posture having a lower probability of occurrence.
[0136] As indicated by a mark "C" in FIG. 17A, for instance, seven
inappropriate postures of "upper half body inclines forward", "face
turns downward", "shoulders are stiffened", "head swings", "one
relies on handle", "foot rest swings", and "foot rest rises in an
opposite direction" are previously set, wherein the postures are
possible to occur in the case where the inclination state of the
seat 2 is a "forward inclination" and the rocking speed of the seat
2 has a level "1". When the occurrence ranks "1" to "7" are set in
the above order, the output sequence of the messages is determined
such that a message corresponding to the inappropriate posture
having a higher probability of occurrence is outputted more
frequently than a message corresponding to the inappropriate
posture having a lower probability of occurrence. Specifically, for
example, the output sequence of the messages is as follows: the
occurrence rank "1".fwdarw.the occurrence rank "2".fwdarw.the
occurrence rank "1".fwdarw.the occurrence rank "3".fwdarw.the
occurrence rank "1".fwdarw.the occurrence rank "2".fwdarw.the
occurrence rank "1".fwdarw.the occurrence rank "4". . . .
[0137] FIGS. 19A and 19B are a flow chart showing message output
process controlled by the control unit 37.
[0138] As shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, the message output timing
determination part 38 determines a time interval from the last
message output timing to the next message output timing at random
(Step S41). Next, the control unit 37 checks whether or not the
time interval, determined by the message output timing
determination part 38, is less than or equal to a residual time
from the present time to the time of completing a play (Step S411).
When the time interval exceeds the residual time ("NO" in Step
S411), the process proceeds to Step S48.
[0139] On the other hand, when the control unit 37 checks that the
time interval determined by the message output timing determination
part 38 is less than or equal to the residual time in step S211
("YES" in Step S211), the rocking speed detector 40 detects the
rocking speed of the seat 2 at the present time (Step S42), and the
inclination state detector 41 detects the inclination state of the
seat 2 at the present time (Step S43).
[0140] The output message determination part 42 recognizes messages
corresponding to the combination of the rocking speed detected by
the rocking speed detector 40 in Step S32 and the inclination state
detected by the inclination state detector 41 in Step S43 (Step
S44), and determines the output sequence of the massages prepared
for the inappropriate postures, according to the predetermined rule
in which a message corresponding to the inappropriate posture
having a higher probability of occurrence is outputted more
frequently than a message corresponding to the inappropriate
posture having a lower probability of occurrence (Step S45).
[0141] The message output control unit 43 checks whether or not the
time counted by the time counting part 39 reaches to the message
output timing specified by the time interval, which is determined
by the message output timing determination part 38 in Step S41
(Step S46). When checking that the time has reached to the message
output timing ("YES" in Step S46), the message output control part
43 causes the sound output part 33 to output the message determined
by the output message determination part 42 (Step S47). On the
other hand, in Step S46, when the message output control part 43
checks that the time has not reached to the message output timing,
the process returns to Step S42 and Steps S42 to Step S45 are
carried out.
[0142] The control unit 37 checks whether the time has reached the
timing of completing the play (Step S48). When the control section
37 checks that the time has not reached to the timing of completing
the play, the message output timing determination part 38 randomly
determines the time interval from the last message output timing to
the next message output timing as if an instructor guides. The
rocking speed detector 40 and the inclination state detector 41
detect the rocking speed and the inclination state of the seat 2 at
the present time, respectively (Steps S50, S51).
[0143] In the case where both the rocking speed and the inclination
state have no change from the last detection values ("NO" in Step
S52), the process returns to Step S46. On the other hand, in the
case where at least one of the rocking speed and the inclination
state has any change from the last detection value ("YES" in Step
S52), the process returns to Step S44.
[0144] Meanwhile, when checking that the time has reached to the
timing of completing the play in Step S48 ("YES" in Step S48), the
control unit 37 turns off the power supply of the exercising
apparatus 1 (Step S53) and a series of process is completed.
[0145] As described above, the present embodiment is also provided
with the function capable of outputting the messages with regard to
advices for guiding a user's posture to be appropriate in a real
time manner, so that the user's posture can be guided to be
appropriate.
[0146] Further, since the present embodiment determines the output
timing of the message at random as if an instructor guides, the
exercising apparatus 1 allows users to hold such a feeling that an
instructor guides themselves, thereby improving its
attractiveness.
[0147] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, inappropriate
postures, which are possible to occur in the combination of the
inclination state and the rocking speed of the seat 2, are
previously set and the messages for the respective inappropriate
postures are prepared. Besides, the output sequence of the massages
are determined such that a message corresponding to the
inappropriate posture having a higher probability of occurrence is
outputted more frequently than a message corresponding to the
inappropriate posture having a lower probability of occurrence, and
the messages are outputted in this sequence. As a result, the user
can take a posture more appropriate than in the first embodiment,
and further the user can perform effective exercises.
[0148] The following modifications can be made instead of the
above-mentioned embodiments, or in addition to the above-mentioned
embodiments.
[0149] [1] Although each of the embodiments outputs messages by
using audible sound, without being limited to this, it is possible
to output the messages visually by using a display or the like.
[0150] [2] It is more preferable that the exercising apparatus 1 of
each above-mentioned embodiment is provided with the following
functions:
[0151] (1) a function of pre-storing a plurality of messages
depending upon a time of one day and outputting the message
corresponding to the time when the time comes.
[0152] As shown in FIG. 20, a plurality of messages for urging a
user to use the exercising apparatus 1 are stored in the message
storage part 36a (refer to FIG. 8). Specifically, hours of one day
are divided into a plurality of time zones, and then the message
storage part 36a stores the messages depending upon the time zones.
For instance, the message storage part 36a stores a message
depending on the time zone of "6:00 to 8:00", such as "Good
morning!!, you are recommended to ride horizontally at a speed
level of "1" to "3" for waking up", wherein the message is stored
in association with the time zone.
[0153] For instance, when the time becomes 6:00, the message output
control part 43 causes the sound output part 33 to output the
message of "Good morning!!, you are recommended to ride
horizontally at a speed level of "1" to "3" for waking up".
[0154] Adding such a function to the exercising apparatus 1 can
stimulate the user to use it.
[0155] (2) a function of alerting a user when the same user
utilizes the exercising apparatus 1 excessively.
[0156] FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing warning process that is
carried out before a user inputs a start command of a play.
[0157] As shown in FIG. 22, firstly, the control unit 37 specifies
a user who is going to utilize the exercising apparatus 1 (Step
S61). For example, the exercising apparatus 1 is provided with a
function of registering the user and the user is specified based
upon the operating signals corresponding to the registered user via
a button.
[0158] Next, the control unit 37 checks whether or not the same
user successively uses the exercising apparatus 1 (Step S62). If
not so ("NO" in Step S62), the control unit 37 waits for the user
to input the start command of the play. On the other hand, when
checking that the same user is going to use the exercising
apparatus 1 successively ("YES" in Step S62), the control section
37 calculates the use time of the user who is going to use the
exercising apparatus 1 (Step S63) and checks whether or not the
using of the user within a predetermined duration exceeds a
predetermined use limit time (e.g., whether or not the user will
use the exercising apparatus 1 more than 30 minutes within 1 hour)
(Step S64).
[0159] If not so ("NO" in Step S64), the control unit 37 waits for
the user to input the start command of the play. On the other hand,
when checking that the user will use the exercising apparatus 1
more than the predetermined use limit time within the predetermined
duration (e.g., the user will use the exercising apparatus 1 more
than 30 minutes within 1 hour) ("YES" in Step S64), the control
unit 37 causes the sound output part 33 to output the message such
as "It's not so good for your health to exercise for a long time",
and waits for the user to input the start command of the play.
[0160] The addition of such function can prevent a user from
excessively exercising by using the exercising apparatus 1.
[0161] Although it is described that the rocking speed and
inclination state of the seat 2 are detected at the present time,
the present invention is not limited thereto. The present invention
may be configured to detect the rocking speed and inclination state
of the seat 2 at the message output timing by a program.
[0162] Furthermore, although it is described in the above-mentioned
embodiments that the rocking speed and the inclination state of the
seat 2 are detected and the message corresponding thereto is
extracted from the message storage part 36a, the present invention
is not limited thereto. The present invention may be configured to
detect either of the rocking speed and the inclination state of the
seat 2 and extract the message corresponding thereto from the
message storage part 36a.
[0163] While the invention has been shown and described with
respect to the embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled
in the art that various changes and modifications may be made
without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the
following claims.
* * * * *