U.S. patent application number 14/089189 was filed with the patent office on 2015-04-16 for trainer control method and fitness device using the same.
This patent application is currently assigned to Healthstream Taiwan Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Healthstream Taiwan Inc.. Invention is credited to Jong-Keol HONG.
Application Number | 20150105220 14/089189 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52810136 |
Filed Date | 2015-04-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150105220 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HONG; Jong-Keol |
April 16, 2015 |
TRAINER CONTROL METHOD AND FITNESS DEVICE USING THE SAME
Abstract
A trainer control method is provided and includes mounting a
sensor at a user's upper extremity, sending from the sensor a
sensing signal variable with the position or motion of the upper
extremity, and controlling the operating speed of a trainer by the
user according to the upper extremity, wherein the sensing signal
causes the trainer operating speed to increase and decrease
whenever the upper extremity is in first and second states for
predetermined duration, respectively. Accordingly, riot only does
the user control the operating speed and state of the trainer
easily, but user safety is also enhanced.
Inventors: |
HONG; Jong-Keol; (Seoul,
KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Healthstream Taiwan Inc. |
Jhongli City |
|
TW |
|
|
Assignee: |
Healthstream Taiwan Inc.
Jhongli City
TW
|
Family ID: |
52810136 |
Appl. No.: |
14/089189 |
Filed: |
November 25, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/8 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 2562/0219 20130101;
G06F 3/011 20130101; A61B 5/681 20130101; A61B 5/1114 20130101;
G06K 9/00342 20130101; A63B 22/0242 20130101; G06F 3/017
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/8 |
International
Class: |
A63B 24/00 20060101
A63B024/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 14, 2013 |
TW |
102137037 |
Claims
1. A trainer control method whereby a user controls an operating
speed of a trainer, the trainer control method comprising the step
of: a. mounting a sensor to an upper extremity of the user, the
sensor being capable of sending a sensing signal variable with the
position or motion of the upper extremity; and b. controlling by
the user the operating speed of the trainer with the upper
extremity, increasing the operating speed of the trainer according
to the sensing signal when the upper extremity has been in a first
state for a period of time, and decreasing the operating speed of
the trainer according to the sensing signal when the upper
extremity has been in a second state for a period of time.
2. The trainer control method of claim 1, further comprising the
step of setting a largest value and a least value of the operating
speed of the trainer.
3. The trainer control method of claim 1, wherein the sensor is
positioned in a manner to allow it to change its orientation in
response to a swing of the upper extremity, such that the sensing
signal varies with the orientation of the sensor.
4. A fitness device, comprising: a sensor disposed at an upper
extremity of a user and adapted to send a sensing signal variable
with the position or motion of the upper extremity; a controller
for receiving the sensing signal, sending an acceleration signal
when le sensing signal has stayed within a first numerical value
range for a period of time, and sending a deceleration signal when
the sensing signal has stayed within a second numerical value range
for a period of time; and a trainer for receiving the acceleration
signal and the deceleration signal to thereby increase an operating
speed of the trainer when the trainer receives the acceleration
signal and decrease the operating speed of the trainer when the
trainer receives the deceleration signal.
5. The fitness device of claim 4, wherein the controller enables
the user to set a largest value and a least value of the operating
speed of the trainer.
6. The fitness device of claim 4, wherein the trainer enables the
user to set a largest value and a least value of the operating
speed of the trainer.
7. The fitness device of claim 4, wherein the trainer is a
treadmill.
8. The fitness device of claim 4, wherein the sensor is one of a
gravity sensor and an acceleration sensor.
9. The fitness device of claim 4, wherein the controller is
disposed at the trainer.
10. The fitness device of claim 4, wherein the sensor and the
controller are disposed at a mobile device.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Technical Field
[0002] The present invention relates to trainers (such as
treadmills) with an adjustable operating speed, and more
particularly, to a trainer control method and a fitness device
operated with the trainer control method.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] A conventional treadmill usually comprises treading base and
a control console disposed above and in front of the treading base
to enable a user to operate the control console before or while
walking or running on the treading base, so as to start and stop
the treadmill and adjust the operating speed of the treadmill.
[0005] However, there is usually a distance between the control
console and a user's body while the user is running on the treading
base; hence, to operate the control console, the us has to either
move forward slightly or tilt his/her trunk forward. Furthermore,
the run prevents the user from operating the control console
precisely; as a result, not only is the user likely to err in
operation, but the otherwise rhythmic run is also likely. to turn
irregular, even causing the user to trip inadvertently.
[0006] Even though the treadmill is equipped with a controller
which can be gripped in a user's upper extremity while the user is
walking or running to thereby enable the user to adjust the
operating speed of the treadmill with the controller while walking
or running on the treadmill, the user still has to operate buttons
on the controller. As a result, the aforesaid problems remain
unsolved.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In view of the aforesaid drawbacks of the prior art, it is
an objective of the present invention to provide a trainer control
method whereby a user can control the operating speed of a trainer
easily, thereby overcoming the aforesaid drawbacks of the
conventional trainer effectively.
[0008] In order to achieve the above and other objectives, the
present invention provides a trainer control method whereby a user
controls the operating speed of a trainer. The trainer control
method comprises the steps of:
[0009] a. mounting a sensor to an upper extremity of the user, the
sensor being capable of sending a sensing signal variable with the
position or motion of the upper extremity; and
[0010] b. controlling by the user the operating speed of the
trainer with the upper extremity, increasing the operating speed of
the trainer according to the sensing signal when the upper
extremity has been in a first state for a period of time, and
decreasing the operating speed of the trainer according the sensing
signal when the upper extremity has been in a second state for a
period of time.
[0011] The trainer is a treadmill or any trainer with an adjustable
operating speed. Take a treadmill as an example, since the user
swings his or her upper extremity freely while running, the first
state is the state where the swinging upper extremity is located at
a relatively high position. Likewise, the second state is the state
where the swinging upper extremity is located at a relatively to
low position. Hence, with the user's upper extremity swinging
continuously while the user is running, the treadmill can keep
operating at a constant speed. To accelerate the treadmill, the
user keeps the upper extremity with the sensor in the first state
purposefully. To decelerate the treadmill, the user keeps the upper
extremity with the sensor in the second state purposefully.
Accordingly, the user can control the operating speed of the
trainer very easily and thus avoid turning the otherwise rhythmic
run irregular, thereby preventing a slip,
[0012] The present invention further provides a fitness device for
use with the aforesaid method. The fitness device comprises a
sensor, a controller, and a trainer. The sensor is disposed at a
user's upper extremity. The sensor sends a sensing signal variable
with the position or motion of the upper extremity. The controller
receives the sensing signal, sends an acceleration signal when the
sensing signal has stayed within a first numerical value range for
a predetermined period of time, and sends a deceleration signal
when the sensing signal has stayed within a second numerical value
range for a predetermined period of time. The trainer receives the
acceleration signal and the deceleration signal. Upon receipt of
the acceleration signal, the trainer increases its own operating
speed. Upon receipt of the deceleration signal, the trainer
decreases its own operating speed. Accordingly, the fitness device
enables the user to control the operating speed of the trainer
easily with the aforesaid trainer control method and thus avoid
disharmonizing the otherwise rhythmic run, thereby preventing an
accidental misstep.
[0013] The structure, features, assembly, and ways of operating the
trainer control method and the fitness device for use with the
method provided according to the present invention are illustrated
with embodiments and described in detail below. However, persons
skilled in the art understand that the detailed description and
specific embodiments put forth to explain the implementation of the
present invention are illustrative of the present invention rather
than restrictive of the claims of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a fitness device and a user
according to a first preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a system block diagram of the fitness device
according to the first preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0016] FIG. 3 is similar to FIG. 1 and shows how the user operates
the fitness device;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a control flow chart of the fitness device
according to the first preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the fitness device and the
user according to a second preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a system block diagram of the fitness device
according to the second preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a system block diagram of the fitness device
according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention;
and
[0021] FIG. 8 is a system block diagram of the fitness device
according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0022] In the embodiments described below and the accompanying
drawings, identical reference numerals denote identical or similar
components or structural features. If, as described below, a first
component is disposed on/above a second component, it will mean
that either the first component is disposed directly on/above the
second component, or the first component is disposed indirectly
on/above the second component (that is to say, one or more
components are disposed between the first component and the second
component.)
[0023] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a fitness device 10 in a
first preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a
sensor 20, a controller 30, and trainer 40. The trainer 40 is a
treadmill, but it can also be any other trainer with an adjustable
operating speed. The controller 30 is disposed on the trainer 40
and coupled thereto so as to together form a fitness apparatus 12.
The sensor 20 enables a user to control the trainer 40 without
touching the controller 30. The trainer control method of the
present invention is hereunder illustrated with the fitness device
10. Also, elements and functions thereof of the fitness device 10
are described in detail below.
[0024] The trainer control method of the present invention enables
the user to control the operating speed of the trainer 40, which,
from the perspective of a treadmill, involves adjusting the user's
walking or running speed. The trainer control method comprises the
steps as follows:
[0025] a. mounting the sensor 20 to the user's upper extremity,
wherein the sensor 20 sends a sensing signal variable with the
position or motion of the upper extremity.
[0026] The sensor 20 includes, but is not limited to, a gravity
sensor or an acceleration sensor. When the sensor 20 is disposed at
the user's upper extremity, the three axes (x-axis, y-axis, z-axis)
of the sensor 20 is fixed to the upper extremity. The sensor 20
sends the sensing signals corresponding to the three axes,
respectively. Hence, any change in the upper extremity causes the
position and orientation of the sensor 20 to change, and in
consequence the sensing signal corresponding to one of the axes
changes. The "upper extremity" referred to herein includes the
forearm, elbow, wrist, and palm. That is to say, the sensor 20 can
be positioned at any of the aforesaid positions, provided that the
sensing signal sent from the sensor 20 varies with the upper
extremity. In fact, the 20 can be a smart watch which is not only
built-in with a gravity sensor for performing the aforesaid
functions, but can be worn around the user's wrist
conveniently.
[0027] b. Referring to FIG. 3, the user uses the upper extremity to
control the operating speed of the trainer 40 naturally. If the
upper extremity is in a first state P1 for a predetermined period
of time, the sensing signal will cause the operating speed of the
trainer 40 to increase. If the upper extremity is in a second state
P2 for a predetermined period of time, the sensing signal will
cause the operating sp d of the trainer 40 to decrease. For
illustrative purposes, the description below is exemplified by a
scenario where the aforesaid predetermined period of time is set to
two seconds.
[0028] Since the user's upper extremity swing freely while the user
is running, the sensor 20 can be positioned in a manner to allow it
to change its orientation in response to the swing of the upper
extremity, such that the sensing signal varies with the position or
motion of the sensor 20. The first state P1 is the state where the
swinging upper extremity is located at a relatively high position.
The second state 92 is the state where the swinging upper extremity
is located at a relatively low position. The intermediate state P3
is defined as lying between the first state P1 and the second state
P2. The first, second, and intermediate states P1, P2, P3 each
correspond to a sensing signal which is of a single specific
numerical value or falls within a numerical value range. For
example, the intermediate state P3 corresponds to the sensing
signal of a single specific numerical value 0. The first state P1
corresponds to the sensing signal of a first numerical value range
of 8.about.10. The second state P2 corresponds to the sensing
signal of a second numerical value range of -8.about.-10. That is
to say, the first state P1 and the second state P2 are about close
positions or orientations within a specific numerical value range
rather than about a single specific position or orientation.
[0029] The sensing signal is sent from the sensor 20 by wireless
transmission (indicated by a dashed line and arrow in the
drawings)and received by the controller 30. Referring to the
control flow chart shown in FIG. 4, the controller 30 keep judging
the Sensing signal sent from the sensor 20 (in step 51). If the
sensing signal has stayed within the aforesaid first numerical
value range for two seconds, that is, the User has put the upper
extremity in the first state P1 for two seconds, the controller 30
will send an acceleration signal to be received by the trainer 40
and to increase the operating speed of the trainer 40 (in step 52).
If the sensing signal has stayed within the aforesaid second
numerical value range for two seconds, that is, the user has put
the upper extremity in the second state P2 for two seconds, the
controller 30 will send a deceleration signal to be received by the
trainer 40 and to decrease the operating speed of the trainer 40
(in step 53).
[0030] With the user's upper extremity swinging continuously while
the user is running, the trainer 40 keeps operating at a constant
speed. To increase the operating speed of the trainer 40, that is,
effectuating acceleration of the trainer 40, the user keeps the
upper extremity with the sensor 20 in the first state P1
purposefully. To decrease the operating speed of the trainer 40,
that is, effectuating deceleration of the trainer 40, the user
keeps the upper extremity with the sensor 20 in the second state P2
purposefully. Accordingly, the user can control the operating speed
and state of the trainer 40 very easily and thus avoid
disharmonizing the otherwise rhythmic run, thereby preventing any
accidental misstep and enhancing user safety.
[0031] In steps 52, 53, on each occasion of its acceleration or
deceleration, the trainer 40 increases or decreases its operating
speed by a specific numerical value, such as, 0.5 kilometer per
hour. To augment the acceleration or deceleration of the trainer
40, the user keeps the upper extremity in the first state P1 or the
second state P2 for longer than two seconds such that, after the
upper extremity's two-second stay in the first state P1 or the
second state P2, the controller 30 causes the trainer 40 to
accelerate or decelerate *once per second, thereby allowing the
trainer 40 to attain quickly the operating speed desired by the
user.
[0032] Referring to FIG. 4, in step 54, the controller 30 further
enables the user to set the largest value and the least value of
the operating speed of the trainer 40. In step 52, even if the user
keeps the upper extremity in the first state P1 such that the
sensing signal of the sensor 20 stays within the first numerical
value range, the trainer 40 will accelerate to reach the
predetermined largest value of the operating speed only; that is to
say, the controller 30 will not cause the operating speed of the
trainer 40 to exceed the largest value. In step 53, even if the
user keeps the upper extremity in the second state P2 and thus
keeps the sensing signal of the sensor 20 in the second numerical
value range, the trainer 40 will decelerate to the predetermined
least value of the operating speed; that is to say, the controller
30 will not allow the operating speed of the trainer 40 to drop
below the least value.
[0033] Hence, the use can set the largest value of the operating
speed of the trainer 40 to a bearable speed so as to preclude
speeding-induced danger. Furthermore, the user can set the least
value of the operating speed of the trainer 40 to his or her
walking speed, such that the operating speed of the trainer 40 can
decrease to the least value whenever the user wants to walk after
running for a period of time. Although the user's upper extremity
usually hang vertically, i.e., stay in the second state P2, while
the user is walking, the trainer 40 no longer decelerates during
the second state P2, the by allowing the user to walk on the
trainer 40 continuously.
[0034] Referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the present invention
provides in a second preferred embodiment thereof a fitness device
60 which comprises a sensor 20, a trainer 61, and a controller 62,
which are identical to their counterparts in the first preferred
embodiment. The trainer 61 comprises a control console 612. That is
to say, the trainer 61 in this embodiment is similar to the fitness
apparatus 12 in the first preferred embodiment, The controller 62
is electrically connected to the trainer 61 by a transmission line
64. The sensor 20 sends the sensing signal to the controller 62 by
wireless transmission. Then, the controller 62 sends the
acceleration signal and the deceleration signal to thereby control
the operating speed of the trainer 61.
[0035] In fact, the controller 62 can be a mobile device, such as a
smartphone or a notebook computer, which is installed with an
application for controlling the trainer 61. In this situation, the
controller 62 further enables the user to enter the user's desired
largest value and least value of the operating speed of the trainer
61. Alternatively, the trainer 61 itself enables the user to set
the largest value and the least value of the operating speed of the
trainer 61; that is to say, the largest value and the least value
of the operating speed of the trainer 61 is set by the control
console 612 of the trainer 61.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 7, the present invention provides in a
third preferred embodiment thereof a fitness device 70, wherein the
controller 62 sends the acceleration signal and the deceleration
signal to the trainer 61 by wireless transmission; that is to say,
the transmission line 64 is not connected between the co otter 62
and the trainer 61.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 8, the present invention provides in a
fourth preferred embodiment thereof a fitness device 80, wherein a
sensor 84 in a mobile device 82 (such as a smartphones) senses the
variation in the position or motion of the upper extremity, whereas
a controller 86 in the mobile device 82 receives the sensing signal
from the sensor 84 and sends the acceleration signal and the
deceleration signal. That is to say, the sensor 84 and the
controller 86 are disposed in the mobile device 82, wherein the
user mounts the mobile device 82 to upper extremity or makes the
mobile device 82 positioned at the user's upper extremity by any
other means, such that the mobile device 82 sends the acceleration
signal and the deceleration signal to the trainer 61 by wireless
transmission,
[0038] Last but not least, constituent components disclosed in the
aforesaid embodiments of the present invention are illustrative
rather than restrictive of the scope of the present invention, as
any other equivalent components provided for the purpose of
replacement or variation must be covered by the claims of the
present invention.
* * * * *