U.S. patent application number 13/679132 was filed with the patent office on 2013-05-30 for electronic fitness trainer and method for operating an electronic fitness trainer.
This patent application is currently assigned to Sony Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is Sony Corporation. Invention is credited to Thomas KEMP, Dietmar Schill, Stephen Tiedemann.
Application Number | 20130137552 13/679132 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48467393 |
Filed Date | 2013-05-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130137552 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KEMP; Thomas ; et
al. |
May 30, 2013 |
ELECTRONIC FITNESS TRAINER AND METHOD FOR OPERATING AN ELECTRONIC
FITNESS TRAINER
Abstract
A device for controlling and supervising a user during
performing a fitness exercise at a fitness device (electronic
Fitness Trainer) comprises a controller module for selecting at
least one music piece suited for executing the fitness exercise
according to a training plan, for monitoring biofeedback data
obtained from the user during executing the exercise, for
monitoring device data obtained from the fitness device during
executing the exercise and for controlling other components of the
device, an explanation module for generating an explanation
message, a correction module for generating a correction message, a
feedback module for generating a feedback message and an
input/output module for receiving biofeedback data from the user
and device data from the fitness device and for outputting the
explanation message, the correction message and the feedback
message as well as the selected at least one music piece to the
user.
Inventors: |
KEMP; Thomas; (Esslingen,
DE) ; Tiedemann; Stephen; (Stuttgart, DE) ;
Schill; Dietmar; (Ludwigshafen, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Sony Corporation; |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
Sony Corporation
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
48467393 |
Appl. No.: |
13/679132 |
Filed: |
November 16, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/8 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G09B 19/0038 20130101;
A63B 24/0062 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/8 |
International
Class: |
A63B 24/00 20060101
A63B024/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 25, 2011 |
EP |
11009365.5 |
Claims
1. A device for controlling and supervising a user during
performing a fitness exercise at a fitness device, the device
comprising: a controller module for selecting at least one music
piece suited for executing the fitness exercise according to a
training plan, for monitoring biofeedback data obtained from the
user during executing the exercise, for monitoring device data
obtained from the fitness device during executing the exercise and
for controlling other components of the device; an explanation
module for generating an explanation message; a correction module
for generating a correction message; a feedback module for
generating a feedback message; and an input/output module for
receiving biofeedback data from the user and device data from the
fitness device and for outputting the explanation message, the
correction message and the feedback message as well as the selected
at least one music piece to the user.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the explanation message, the
correction message and the feedback message comprise audible
data.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the explanation message comprises
information about the purpose of the exercise, what has to be done
and how it is done correctly.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein the correction message comprises
information about a necessary change in execution of the exercise
by the user in order to correctly perform the exercise.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein the controller module is
configured to modify the training plan and to adapt the at least
one music piece to the modified training plan or to select a new at
least one music piece suited to the modified training plan, if at
least one of the monitored biofeedback data or the monitored device
data are not in a predetermined range of values.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein the feedback message generated
after termination of the exercise comprises information about the
quantity and the quality of performance of the exercise.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein the controller module is
configured to interrupt the output of the at least one music piece
or to adapt the volume of the output of the at least one music
piece, if one of the explanation message, the correction message or
the feedback message is outputted.
8. A system for supervising a user during performing a fitness
exercise at a fitness device and for providing data assigned to
performing the fitness exercise and for analyzing exercise logs
assigned to the performed fitness exercise, the system comprising:
at least one first device according to claim 1; and a second device
for providing data assigned to performing the fitness exercise and
for analyzing exercise logs assigned to the performed fitness
exercise, the second device comprising: a memory for storing and
providing a training plan for performing the exercise, a music data
base for providing at least one music piece suited for executing
the exercise according to the training plan, and an analyzing
device for generating a summary report based on at least one
exercise log provided from the at least one first device.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the analyzing device is
configured to generate the summary report additionally on the basis
of at least one activity log provided from at least one activity
recorder assigned to the user.
10. The system of claim 8, wherein the summary report is generated
in a human readable form and comprises information about the
quantity and quality of training of the user.
11. The system of claim 8, wherein the system is configured to
extract a music taste based on dislike decisions and selection
decisions made by the user and to store the extracted music taste
together with other data assigned to the user in the memory of the
second device.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the controller module if the at
least one first device is configured to select the at least one
music piece suited for executing the exercise based on the
extracted music taste of the user.
13. A method for operating a device according to claim 1, the
method comprising: identifying a user which is going to execute a
fitness exercise at a fitness device; downloading a training plan
assigned to the user and device data of the fitness device;
outputting an explanation message to the user; selecting at least
one music piece suited for executing the fitness exercise according
to a training plan; during execution of the exercise, outputting
the selected at least one music piece to the user and monitoring
biofeedback data obtained from the user and device data obtained
from the fitness device; comparing the monitored biofeedback data
and the monitored device data with predetermined value ranges; if
the biofeedback data and the monitored device data are not within
the pre-determined value ranges, outputting a correction message to
the user and, if a modification of the training plan is necessary
in order to achieve the purpose of the exercise, modifying the
training plan and adapting the selected at least one music piece to
the modified training plan or selecting a new at least one music
piece suited for executing the fitness exercise according to the
modified training plan; repeating the step of outputting the
selected at least one music piece and monitoring the biofeedback
data and device data, the step of comparing the monitored data and
the step of outputting a correction message and modifying the
training plan and adapting the music pieces or selecting new music
pieces as long as the termination of the exercise is not detected;
and if the termination of the exercise is detected, outputting a
feedback message to the user.
14. A method for operating a system according to claim 8, the
method comprising: performing the method of claim 13 for at least
one first device according to claim 1; providing at least one
exercise log from the at least one first device to the second
device; generating a summary report based on the at least one
exercise log; outputting the summary report to a professional
trainer; and storing a new training plan or a modified training
plan provided by the professional trainer based on the outputted
summary report in the memory of the second device from which the
training plan is downloaded during the step of performing the
method of claim 13 for the at least one first device.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the music data base of the
second device is updated after a predetermined time interval.
Description
[0001] The invention relates to an electronic Fitness Trainer for
controlling, supervising and motivating a user to perform fitness
exercises regularly and correctly and a method for operating an
electronic Fitness Trainer.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In fitness training, both in fitness studio and at home,
athletes or users execute different exercises following a workout
schedule planned by a professional trainer or by the users
themselves following workout samples given in books or magazines or
provided by a software program. The exercises may include the use
of a cardio training machine, e.g. stationary bicycles, treadmills
or rowing machines, or of one or a plurality of strength training
machines or may include exercises performed only with bands or
weights or without any devices at all.
[0003] However, how a user performs an exercise depends on its
actual physical and mental condition as well as on the experience
of a user in performing a special exercise. Therefore, the
exercises are not always executed in a proper way to achieve the
training goal and/or to avoid negative effects to the health of the
user caused by excessive strain. Further, since there is often no
immediate visible success, the user tends to loose its motivation
resulting in dropping out from the training.
[0004] Thus, the main problems during fitness training are
maintaining the motivation of the user and ensuring proper
execution of the exercises in just the right intensity and
sequence.
[0005] It is an object of the invention to provide a device that
controls, supervises and motivates the user to do the exercises
regularly and correctly and a method for operating such a
device.
[0006] The above objects are achieved by the claimed matter
according to the independent claims.
[0007] Further embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.
[0008] Further details of the invention will become apparent from a
consideration of the drawings and ensuing description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the electronic Fitness Trainer
according to the invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 shows a method for operating an electronic Fitness
Trainer according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0011] FIG. 3 shows an electronic Fitness System according to an
embodiment of the invention.
[0012] FIG. 4 shows a method for operating an electronic Fitness
System according to an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] In the following, embodiments of the invention are
described. It is important to note that all described embodiments
in the following and their properties and technical features may be
combined in any way, i.e. there is no limitation that certain
described embodiments, properties and technical features may not be
combined with others, unless specifically noted otherwise. Further,
it should be noted that same reference signs throughout the Figures
denote same or similar elements.
[0014] It is to be understood that other embodiments may be
utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without
departing from the scope of the invention. The following detailed
description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and
the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended
claims.
[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the device for
controlling and supervising a user during performing fitness
exercises according to the invention. This device is called an
electronic Fitness Trainer (eFT) in the further description. The
electronic Fitness Trainer 1 comprises four internal modules which
are all interconnected with each other: a controller module 10, an
explanation module 20, a correction module 30 and a feedback module
40. Further, the electronic Fitness Trainer comprises an
input/output (I/O) module 50. The I/O module 50 is configured to
receive data from the outside of the eFT and to output data to the
outside of the eFT.
[0016] Data from the outside may be, for instance, data referring
to a workout schedule or a training plan for a specific fitness
exercise, like weights, number of repetitions or duration of an
exercise according to a workout schedule and intended heart rate
and blood pressure, and data referring to a fitness device 2 used
for the specific exercise. These data may be provided from an
external memory 5 or directly inputted by a user or a trainer.
Further, the eFT may receive data from the fitness device 2 the
user currently uses like a cardio training machine or a strength
training machine, wherein the data may include speed, level, weight
or number of repetitions as well as smoothness of motion or data
relating to correctness of the exercise. Other data from the
outside may be biofeedback data obtained from the user during
performing the exercise via one or more sensors 3, like heart rate,
oxygen saturation, blood pressure, skin resistance, body
temperature etc. Furthermore, data from outside may include music
provided from a source 4 of music pieces, like personal music data
base or a music provider, wherein the music pieces are annotated
with metadata describing the music with respect to, for example,
beats per minute, beat locations, music genre, instrumentation and
others.
[0017] Using the I/O module 50, the eFT may output data to other
devices, like the music source 4, the external memory 5 or a
workout planning system, or to humans like the user or a
professional trainer. Data to the outside may include commands for
selecting one or a plurality of music pieces corresponding to the
exercises performed. Further, exercise logs, i.e. biofeedback data
and/or data describing how the exercises were executed by the user,
for instance how many repetitions were done, can be outputted to a
computer used for planning the workout schedule or can be outputted
to a reproducing device, i.e. a display or a device capable of
outputting audible messages, like a loudspeaker or earphones. The
reproducing device may be a part of the eFT or may be a part of
another device, for example of the fitness device. That is, data
provided by at least one of the internal modules of the eFT may be
outputted by the I/O module 50.
[0018] Data inputted from the outside to the eFT or outputted to
the outside from the eFT may be transmitted wirelessly or via a
wired connection, for instance a data cable. However, there may
also be components configured to allow direct input of data to the
eFT, for instance a stop button for indicating the end of an
exercise.
[0019] The controller module 10 stores data about the fitness
device and about the training plan as inputted from the outside.
The training plan may include minimum and maximum values of
parameters to be maintained during execution of the exercise, like
minimum weight or maximum blood pressure, thereby defining
predetermined ranges of values for biofeedback data and device
data. The controller module 10 then selects one or a plurality of
music pieces proper for the exercise or exercises which should be
performed. For instance, upbeat is selected for high-load parts of
the exercise, slower and steadier pieces for the continuous,
aerobic part, mellow pieces for slow down and cheerful pieces for
warm up. Not only the mood, but also the beat per minute (bpm,
speed) value of the music is chosen according to the intended speed
of the exercise. For example, for a running machine or a stepper,
every beat or every second beat could correspond to a footstep.
Further, the controller module decides when the music should be
interrupted by a system message in order to properly output this
message to the user. However, the music does not have to be
interrupted totally, it may also be sufficient to reduce the volume
of the music such that the system message can be understood
properly while the music is continuing in the background. There are
three types of system messages corresponding to the other three
modules of the eFT, i.e. explanation messages, correction messages
and feedback messages. These messages are outputted by the I/O
module 50 as described above and may include visual data like text
or graphics and/or audible data like spoken words or sounds.
[0020] The explanation module 20 is called at any time when the eFT
changes its operational state, for instance when the eFT is turned
on, when the training plan is changed or modified or when the
fitness device is changed or modified. The explanation module 20
provides an explanation message explaining why the change occurs.
For example, before starting the exercise, the explanation module
will explain what the purpose of the entire exercise is, what has
to be done and how it is done correctly. Further, when the level of
the exercise has to be changed, the explanation module 20 creates
an explanation message explaining what changes and why the exercise
is to be changed, for instance because the training plan
changed.
[0021] The correction module 30 is called whenever the controller
module 10 detects that the exercise is not done in a proper
fashion. The correction module 30 then provides a correction
message to the user thereby giving hints about correct usage of the
fitness device or about correct performance of the exercise. For
instance, the correction message may include an information that
the user performs the exercise too fast or too slow, that he or she
exceeds the maximum heart rate or blood pressure allowed or that
the movement and distribution of force with respect to different
parts of the body is not proper to reach the purpose of the
exercise. Providing this message helps the user to improve the
execution of the exercise.
[0022] The feedback module 40 generates a feedback message after
the user has completed the exercise. However, a feedback message
may also be generated if the exercise is skipped or only partially
completed by the user. The feedback message may comprise
information about the quantity and the quality of the performance
of the exercise. It may be created using two main sources of input:
first assessment of the energy spent by the user in executing the
exercise or other data corresponding to the spent energy, e.g. the
peak pulse or the number of performed repetitions, and second how
well the exercise was performed according to the generally
recommended way of using the fitness device and to the individual
training plan of the user. That is, the feedback module uses
biofeedback data from the user and data provided by the fitness
device regarding the execution of the exercise as well as
previously provided data regarding the fitness device and the
execution of the exercise as well as the training plan of the
specific user for generating the feedback message. The feedback
message may contain information about the calories spent by the
user while executing the exercise and may translate this value into
food equivalents using a database. However, the feedback message
may also contain other information corresponding to the purpose of
the exercise, like heart rate or blood pressure. Further, the
feedback module 40 may compare current data corresponding to the
execution of the exercise, e.g. initial and final pulse rate,
number of repetitions, sets, weights etc., with previous data
stored for the same exercise and the same user. The feedback
message may then include a summary of the comparison, for instance
"This week, you have been able to perform three repetitions more
than two weeks ago, which is an increase of 4.5%. Compared to when
you started 9 weeks ago, you can do now eleven repetitions more, an
increase of 16%! Gorgeous!". Thus, the feedback module 40 may
increase the motivation of the user to do further training.
[0023] The operation of the explanation module 20, the correction
module 30 and the feedback module 40 as well as of the I/O module
50 is controlled by the controller module 10. If a user identifies
himself to the fitness device or starts the workout schedule, the
controller module 10 calls the explanation module 20 for providing
an explanation message with respect to the specific exercise and
fitness device, wherein the explanation module 20 uses data about
the fitness device and the training plan of the user provided from
the controller module 10. The controller module 10 further monitors
the biofeedback data from the user as well as the data from the
fitness device describing the state and correctness of performing
the exercise. If the controller module 10 identifies that at least
one of the biofeedback data or the data from the fitness device are
not in a predetermined range corresponding to the purpose of the
exercise according to the training plan of the user, the controller
module 10 calls the correction module 30 for generating a
respective correction message. If a need for modifying the
execution of the exercise, e.g. with respect to the speed of the
exercise, the weight or the number of repetitions, is identified ,
the controller module 10 further adapts the selected music piece to
the modified execution of the exercise or selects another piece of
music which better suites to the modified execution of the
exercise. That is, the selection of music pieces is adapted to a
modified performance of the exercise such that the music is in sync
to the exercise, thereby assisting the user in proper execution of
the exercise. After completing the exercise indicated by data from
the fitness device or by an input of the user, the controller
module 10 calls the feedback module 40 for generating a feedback
message.
[0024] The explanation module 20, the correction module 30 and the
feedback module 40 may interact with the controller 10 such that
they may be controlled by the controller 10 and that they may
provide data to the controller 10.
[0025] The electronic Fitness Trainer 1 may be a portable device
which a user can take with him during performing a workout schedule
including exercises at different fitness devices, for instance a
circle training. In this case, the whole workout schedule for a
specific user may be provided to the eFT, and the eFT may provide a
feedback message summarizing a workout including exercises
performed at different fitness devices. Furthermore, the eFT may
also provide a plurality of explanation messages, correction
messages and/or feedback messages for different fitness devices or
for different exercises performed at one or a plurality of fitness
devices. On the other hand, the eFT 1 may be assigned to only one
fitness device to which it may be fixed detachable or undetachable.
In this case, the user has to identify himself to the eFT of the
specific fitness device before starting the exercise such that the
eFT may download a trainings plan for the specific user at this
specific fitness device. The eFT may then provide a feedback
message only for the exercise performed at this specific fitness
device.
[0026] The electronic Fitness Trainer comprises at least one
internal memory for storing data referring to the training plan or
the fitness device and for storing exercise logs. This memory can
be used by one or more or all of the internal modules of the eFT,
i.e. the controller module 10, the explanation module 20, the
correction module 30 and the feedback module 40. FIG. 1 shows an
embodiment, wherein all internal modules may use one internal
memory 60. According to another embodiment, each internal module or
one or a plurality of the internal modules may include an
individual internal memory.
[0027] By providing messages to the user, in particular by
providing audible messages, and by adapting the music and/or the
training plan to the biofeedback data and to other data describing
whether the exercise is performed correctly, the eFT according to
the invention assures the correctness of the execution of the
exercise while at the same time keeping motivation level high by
increasing exercise pleasure.
[0028] FIG. 2 is a schematic flowchart of a method for operating an
electronic Fitness Trainer according to an embodiment of the
invention.
[0029] In step S101, a user identifies himself to the electronic
Fitness Trainer using, for instance, RFID, a USB stick, his
fingerprint or face detection. Subsequently, the controller module
10 downloads data corresponding to the training plan of the user
provided from the outside of the eFT, for instance from an external
memory 5, and stores them in an internal memory 60 in step S102.
Further, the controller module 10 may store data corresponding to
the fitness device used for the current exercise in the memory 60.
If the eFT is assigned to only one specific fitness device, these
data may be stored previously inside the memory 60.
[0030] Then the controller module 10 calls the explanation module
20 for generating and outputting an explanation message in step
S103. In step S104, the controller module selects one or more music
pieces suited for proper execution of the exercise. Steps S103 and
S104 may be performed also in the reverse sequence.
[0031] When the user starts executing the exercise, the controller
module 10 outputs the selected music pieces and receives and
monitors biofeedback data obtained from the user and data from the
fitness device (step S105). The controller module 10 continuously
compares the monitored data with predetermined value ranges
corresponding to a proper execution of the exercise according to
the training plan of the user (step 106).
[0032] If the received data are not in the predetermined ranges,
the controller module calls the correction module 30 for generating
and outputting a correction message in step S107. If a need for
modifying the execution of the exercise is identified, the
controller module 10 adapts the selected music piece to the
modified execution of the exercise or selects another piece of
music which better suites to the modified execution of the exercise
and outputs it (step S108).
[0033] As long as the end of the exercise is not detected in step
S109, the controller module 10 continues to output music and to
monitor biofeedback and device data, i.e. the method returns to
step S105.
[0034] If performing of the exercise is terminated, the controller
module 10 calls the feedback module 40 for generating a feedback
message and outputting it to the user in step S110 independent of
whether the correction module 30 was activated or not, i.e.
independent of whether the step S107 and optionally S108 were
performed or not. Further, data describing the execution of the
exercise may be stored in the feedback module 30. At the end of the
method, the controller module 10 may output an exercise log
including the feedback message and/or further data describing the
execution of the exercise, like biofeedback data, as well as an
identification of the user and time stamps to another device, for
instance to a workout planning device or an analyzing device of an
electronic Fitness System as described in the following.
[0035] The electronic Fitness Trainer described above may be part
of a system for supervising a user during performing a fitness
exercise and for providing data assigned to performing the fitness
exercise and for analyzing exercise logs assigned to the performed
fitness exercise. This system may comprise at least one first
device for controlling and supervising a user during performing the
fitness exercise, i.e. at least one eFT, and a second device for
providing data assigned to performing the fitness exercise and for
analyzing exercise logs assigned to the performed fitness exercise.
The second device is called an electronic Fitness Studio (eFS) in
the further description, whereas the whole system is called an
electronic Fitness System in the further description. FIG. 3 shows
an embodiment of such an electronic Fitness System 100 comprising a
plurality of electronic Fitness Trainers according to the
invention. The electronic Fitness Studio 300 may comprise an
analyzing device 400 for analyzing exercise logs and other data
provided by a plurality of electronic Fitness Trainers 101 to 10n
connected with the eFS 300 and other data describing the activity
of one or more users provided from other devices, for instance
activity recorders 151 to 15n, and for providing a summarized
activity report for each user. Furthermore, the electronic Fitness
Studio 300 may comprise a music data base 500 for providing music
pieces outputted during execution of the exercises and a memory 600
for storing workout schedules and training plans for fitness
devices 201 to 20n assigned to the electronic Fitness Trainers 101
to 10n and all users using the fitness devices 201 to 20n. Each one
of the electronic Fitness Trainers 101 to 10n may be assigned to an
individual one of the fitness devices 201 to 20n, like a walking
machine, a stationary bicycle or a strength training machine, as
illustrated in FIG. 3, or may be assigned to individual users. Each
individual eFT 101 to 10n sends its exercise logs corresponding to
the users which use the assigned fitness device 201 to 20n to the
analyzing device 400. The electronic Fitness Studio 300 and the
electronic Fitness System 100 may be implemented in a Fitness
Studio or may be managed by a freelance fitness supervisor.
[0036] The electronic Fitness Trainers 101 to 10n are configured to
download a training plan corresponding to the identified user using
the respective fitness device 201 to 20n assigned to a specific eFT
101 to 10n from the memory 600 and further to select and download
suited music pieces from the music data base 500. While the user
executes the exercise, the eFT monitors biofeedback data obtained
from the user by sensors (not shown in FIG. 3) and device data
obtained from the respective fitness device and outputs music as
well as explanation and, if necessary, correction messages. If the
exercise is terminated, the eFT outputs a feedback message to the
user. These features are described above with respect to FIGS. 1
and 2. Additionally, the eFT generates an exercise log
corresponding to the individual user, wherein the exercise log
includes feedback data which set the exercise results in
correspondence to the intended results given by the training plan,
and provides it to the analyzing device 400.
[0037] The analyzing device 400 generates for each user a summary
report in human readable form from the exercise log of one specific
electronic Fitness Trainer 101 to 10n or from the exercise logs of
a plurality or all of the electronic Fitness Trainers 101 to 10n.
The summary report sets the exercise results of a user in relation
to the training plan and the exercise log thereby providing a
comparison between the training plan and the actual results.
Additionally, the summary reports can be augmented by information
about the daily life of the user, for instance an activity level of
the user in his daily life, provided by an activity log. This
information can be obtained from activity recorders 151 to 15n,
wherein each activity recorder corresponds to a specific user. The
activity recorders 151 to 15n may, for instance, include gyro
sensors, which may be installed in the user's mobile phone, for
example. Using the gyro signals and a special software, the
movement pattern of the user can be extracted, like climbing steps,
walking, sitting, lying etc. The movement pattern can be further
processed to extract only information about the level of activity
or physical exercise of the user, which he or she receives outside
a fitness studio or outside the training plan including exercises
performed at the fitness devices 201 to 20n, without offending the
privacy of the user.
[0038] The summary report generated by the analyzing device 400 may
be stored inside a central, e.g. cloud-based, repository or
database and may be provided to a fitness trainer, e.g. to a human
qualified for planning workout schedules and training plans or a
software program or a system of artificial intelligence for
planning workout schedules and training plans. The fitness trainer
can create a new training plan or modify an existing training plan
based on the summary report and store it in the memory 600. Thus,
the user will execute the new or modified training plan, when he
identifies himself to one of the electronic Fitness Trainers 101 to
10n the next time. The fitness trainer, in particular a human
fitness trainer, can utilize its time more efficiently as compared
to the prior art, since he may focus on the definition and
supervision of training plans instead of following the users when
the user do their exercises. Furthermore, a current summary report
may be compared to and analyzed on the basis of previously
generated summary reports.
[0039] As described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the electronic
Fitness Trainer 101 to 10n also downloads and selects music pieces
suitable for properly executing a specific exercise. However, each
user has a specific music taste such that one music piece suitable
for a specific exercise pleases one user but displeases another
user. This disadvantage may be avoided by providing a personal
music data base. However, this data base is limited such that
repetitions of songs may occur when executing exercises frequently
resulting in decreasing exercise pleasure and motivation of the
user.
[0040] Therefore, the electronic Fitness Studio 300 may comprise a
music data base 500 including a plurality of music pieces of
different music tastes wherein the music pieces are annotated with
metadata describing the music as described above. The electronic
Fitness Trainers 101 to 10n select music pieces suitable for
executing the specific exercise from the music data base 500. If
the user does not like the selected music piece, he may input his
dislike decision into the eFT, for instance by pressing a button
"Skip to next song" attached to the currently active eFT 101 to
10n, the currently used fitness device 201 to 20n or to any other
input device connected with the currently active eFT. A user taste
can be extracted by analyzing the dislike decisions and the
decisions of the user not to input a dislike decision, i.e.
selection decisions, over a predetermined time interval, for
instance one or more workout sessions. Such a user taste or user
preference may, for example, contain "does not like classical
music" and may be stored together with a user profile or the user
training plan in the memory 600. Thus, the electronic Fitness
Trainer currently used by the user may select music pieces which
are not only suitable for executing the exercise, but also
correspond to the taste of the user, thereby increasing the
exercise pleasure of the user.
[0041] Furthermore, the music data base 500 is frequently renewed
or updated, i.e. after a predetermined time interval is elapsed.
For instance, the music pieces stored in the music data base 500
may be swapped every night against new music pieces, which are
received from a central music repository with the appropriate
digital rights. This way, the diversity of the music is ensured,
and the music pieces are not repeated between days. Furthermore, a
user does not hear only music pieces provided by a personal music
base and well-known to him or her, but may hear also new music
pieces and may experience a pleasant surprise.
[0042] The electronic Fitness Studio 300 may be connected to other
devices, for instance, a music provider, the electronic Fitness
Trainers 101 to 10n, the activity recorders 151 to 15n, an output
device for outputting the summary report to a professional trainer
or to memory devices or data bases outside the eFS, wirelessly or
via a wired connection, for instance a data cable, for transferring
data between the eFS and the other devices. Furthermore, the eFS
may comprise components for direct input or output of data by or to
a user, a professional trainer or any other person using the
eFS.
[0043] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic flowchart of an embodiment of
a method for operating an electronic Fitness System according to
the invention.
[0044] In step S201, a user identifies himself to the electronic
Fitness System 100, for instance by identifying himself to a
specific electronic Fitness Trainer which then transfers this
information to the eFS. The user may identify himself using, for
instance, RFID, a USB stick, his fingerprint or face detection.
Subsequently, memory 600 of the electronic Fitness Studio 300
provides a training plan and further user specific data, like music
taste of the user, to the eFT (step S202). In step S203, the method
for operating the eFT as described with respect to FIG. 2 is
carried out. In this step, the eFT selects music pieces suitable
for executing the exercise and corresponding to the user taste and
downloads them from the music data base 500 of the eFS. After
termination of the exercise, the eFT generates an exercise log as
described above.
[0045] In step S204, the exercise log is provided to the analyzing
device 400 of the eFS from the electronic Fitness Trainer.
Subsequently, a summary report corresponding to the user is
generated by the analyzing device 400 (step S205), wherein the
analyzing device may use a plurality of exercise logs corresponding
to the specific user and provided from different electronic Fitness
Trainers 101 to 10n to generate the summary report. The analyzing
device 400 may further incorporate data provided by an activity
recorder 151 to 15n corresponding to the specific user in
generating the summary report.
[0046] In step S206, the summary report is outputted to a
professional trainer, which then may modify an existing training
plan or workout schedule or may create a new training plan or
workout schedule for the corresponding user.
[0047] In step S207, the modified or created training plan or
workout schedule is stored into the memory 600 of the electronic
Fitness Studio 300 such that it can be downloaded and executed the
next time the user identifies himself to an electronic Fitness
Trainer or to the electronic Fitness System.
[0048] Although the electronic Fitness Studio 300 is illustrated
and described in connection with the electronic Fitness Trainer 1
of the present invention, the electronic Fitness Studio 300 may be
used also independently from the eFT or in connection with other
devices. For instance, the eFS may be connected directly to a
fitness device and to sensors providing biofeedback data of the
user such that device data from the fitness device and biometrical
data from the sensors may be provided to and analyzed in the
analyzing device 400 of the eFS. Similarly, the method for
operating an electronic Fitness System may be performed without
using the electronic Fitness Trainer of the present invention
resulting in a method for operating an electronic Fitness Studio.
That is, selecting and outputting music pieces, monitoring
biofeedback and device data as well as generating an exercise log
as described with respect to step S203 do not have to be performed
necessarily by an electronic Fitness Trainer of the present
invention. These features may be performed by any other device
capable for doing so, or even may be performed by different device,
wherein one device selects and outputs the music pieces and another
device monitors biofeedback data, for instance. Again, one or more
or all of the features of this step may also be executed by the
electronic Fitness Studio itself. Further, even if an electronic
Fitness Trainer is used for performing step S203, it does not
necessarily have to execute steps S106 to S110 as described with
respect to FIG. 2.
* * * * *