The present disclosure generally relates to fitness machines, and more particularly to lighting and methods for controlling lighting for fitness machines.
The following U.S. Patents provide background information and are incorporated by reference in entirety.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,101,316 discloses an exercise apparatus having a frame, a pivot axle supported by the frame, a pair of pedal levers, pedals secured to the pedal levers, and arm handles connected for motion with the pedal levers. A variety of pedal actuation assemblies provide for generating elliptical motion of the pedal. A stride length portion of the elliptical motion can be increased automatically as a function of exercise parameters such as speed. The arm handles can be disconnected manually or automatically from the pedal levers.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,874,615 discloses mechanisms for permitting a user to adjust the seat on a stationary exercise bicycle. The mechanisms can be used to adjust the height of the seat or the fore and aft positioning of the seat on an upright type bicycle, or to adjust the team along the longitudinal length of a recumbent type stationary exercise bicycle. A convenient latch mechanism allows the user to adjust the position of the seat for optimum seat position.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,914,420 discloses sensing applications for exercise machines. Disclosed methods include reading output signal values from a sensor, whereby the output signals are generated by a user impact to the exercise machine (such as a treadmill) during the exercise session. The method further includes determining workout matrices to profile the exercise session using the processed output signals and providing feedback information based on the workout matrices.
U.S. Pat. No. 8,496,297 generally relates to stationary exercise bicycles and discloses mechanisms for permitting a user to adjust the seat. The mechanisms can be used to adjust the height of the seat, or the fore and aft positioning of the seat on an upright type bicycle. Each of the described mechanisms can be configured to provide users with an optimum seat position and with a convenient latch mechanism to adjust the position of the seat.
U.S. Pat. No. 9,216,317 discloses stair climber apparatuses each having a plurality of stairs that are connected together in series and travel in a loop. A control circuit controls a speed and output direction of an electric motor that is operatively connected to the plurality of stairs so as to move the plurality of stairs in an upward direction and alternatively in an opposite, downward direction. An operator input device inputs a boarding command to the control circuit, which controls the electric motor to move the plurality of stairs.
U.S. Pat. No. 9,283,425 discloses an exercise assembly having a frame and elongated foot pedal members that are each movable along user-defined paths of differing dimensions. Each foot pedal member has a front portion and a rear portion with footpads disposed on the rear portion of one of the pair of foot pedal members. Crank members are pivotally connected to one of the pair of foot pedal members and also pivotally connected to one of a pair of elongated coupler arms each pivotally connected to the frame. Each crank member is rotatable in a circular path. Elongated rocker arms are pivotally connected to one of the pair of foot pedal members between the footpad and the crank member and are also pivotally connected to the frame.
This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.
One aspect according to the present disclosure generally relates to a method for controlling a fitness machine having a light. The method includes receiving a preset time for a user to perform an exercise using the fitness machine, receiving a request to start the exercise, and controlling the light in a first operating mode. The method further includes counting an elapsed time since the exercise was started, determining a remaining time as a difference between the elapsed time and the preset time, and comparing the remaining time to a threshold time. The method further includes changing the light to a second operating mode different than the first operating mode when the remaining time is less than the threshold time to thereby indicate that the exercise will be ending.
Certain examples further include changing the light from the second operating mode after the elapsed time exceeds the preset time.
In certain examples, the threshold time is 0 seconds.
In certain examples, the fitness machine includes a crankset rotatable by the user while performing the exercise, wherein the light at least partially encircles the crankset, and wherein the light is controlled in the second operating mode so as to create an appearance of rotating about the crankset.
Certain examples further include changing the light to a third operating mode different than the second operating mode after a predetermined duration, wherein the predetermined duration is less than the threshold time.
In certain examples, the threshold time is a plurality of threshold times and wherein the light is separated into a plurality of segments, further comprising controlling the plurality of segments based on which of the plurality of threshold times the remaining time is less than such the light changes as the remaining time changes.
In certain examples, the light is a particular light among multiple lights on the fitness machine, and wherein the particular light changed by the control system faces away from the user performing the exercise so as to be visible by others.
Another aspect of the present disclosure generally relates to a method for controlling a treadmill having a light. The method includes determining whether a belt of the treadmill is rotating and detecting an absence of a user on the belt while the belt is rotating. The method further includes changing an operation of the light when the absence of a user on the belt is detected while the belt is rotating so as to provide warning that the belt is rotating.
Certain examples further include waiting a predetermined time after detecting the absence of the user on the belt while the belt is rotating before changing the operation of the light. In further examples, the predetermined time is a first predetermined time, further comprising changing the operation of the light again if the absence of the user on the belt remains for a second predetermined time after the first predetermined time. In further examples, the light is changed to red after the first predetermined time and changed in brightness after the second predetermined time.
In certain examples, the light is a particular light among multiple lights on the fitness machine, and wherein the particular light changed by the control system is positioned adjacent to the belt.
In certain examples, the absence of the user is detected via monitoring sensors positioned under a deck supporting the belt of the treadmill.
Another aspect of the present disclosure generally relates to a method for controlling a fitness machine. The method includes receiving a request to start an exercise for a user to perform using fitness machine and controlling a light associated with a storage area of the fitness machine in a first operating mode. The method further includes determining that the exercise has ended and changing the light to a second operating mode different than the first operating mode when the exercise has ended to remind the user to check the storage area.
In certain examples, the storage area is a cupholder.
Certain examples further include counting an elapsed time since the exercise was started and temporarily changing the light to a third operating mode different than the first operating mode on a periodic basis to remind the user to hydrate.
Certain examples further include receiving a preset time for the user to perform the exercise, counting an elapsed time since the exercise was started, and comparing the elapsed time to the preset time, wherein the exercise is determined to have ended when the elapsed time is greater than or equal to the preset time.
Certain examples further include detecting an absence of a user on the fitness machine and determining that the exercise has ended when detecting the absence of the user.
Another aspect according to the present disclosure generally relates to a method for controlling a fitness machine. The method includes receiving a request to start an exercise for a user to perform using fitness machine and controlling a light associated with a cupholder in a first operating mode. The method further includes counting an elapsed time since the exercise was started and temporarily changing the light to a second operating mode different than the first operating mode on a periodic basis to remind the user to hydrate.
In certain examples, the light cycles between on and off states when in the second operating mode, and wherein the light is operated in the second operating mode for less than 5 seconds before returning to the first operating mode.
The present disclosure is described with reference to the following drawings.
The present disclosure generally relates to fitness machines, such as treadmills, elliptical cross-trainers, stair climbing machines, and upright and recumbent stationary bicycles. Examples of fitness machines presently available from Life Fitness, LLC include the T5 Treadmill and the Hammer Strength HD Tread (treadmills), the E5 Elliptical Cross-Trainer and SCIFIT® REX™ Recumbent Elliptical (elliptical cross-trainers), the Powermill Climber (a stair climbing machine), the C3 Lifecycle Exercise Bike (an upright stationary bicycle), and the RS3 Lifecycle Exercise Bike and ICG® IC7 Indoor Cycle (recumbent stationary bicycles). Additional details regarding these types of fitness machines are also provided in the patents in the BACKGROUND section referenced above.
The present inventors have identified improvements with respect to lighting and the control of lighting for fitness machines. Some of improvements relate to aesthetics, whereby the color of the fitness machine's lights may be controlled to coordinate with a color scheme of a facility or general preference of the owner (e.g., via the Halo Facility fitness facility management cloud tool provided by Life Fitness, LLC of Rosemont, IL). Additional lighting features can also provide a more elevated, premium appearance. In other cases, lights can be controlled to engage or provide guidance to current users, prospective users, and support personnel (e.g., trainers or fitness center managers). In addition, not only can lights be controlled to increase the amount and type of information provided by the fitness machine, but also controlled in a manner providing quick and accurate interpretation of this information.
While only the left side gap 24 is shown in
Sensors 7 are provided and configured to detect the presence of the user on the fitness machine 2, for example a piezoelectric sensor positioned under the belt 6 as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,914,420. Other types of sensors 7 are also contemplated by the present disclosure, including IR sensors, cameras, or others known in the art.
The fitness machine 2 further includes vertical members 28 that extend upwardly from the base 8 to support horizontal members 30 displaced above the base 8. A user may use the horizontal members 30 for support and balance, especially while getting on and off the fitness machine 2. A pair of handles 32 extend from the horizontal members 30 in a comfortable location for the operator to grip or otherwise access while exercising.
Controls 34 are also supported by the horizontal members 30 (and/or are provided elsewhere on the fitness machine 2), which may include scroll wheels, buttons, and resistive and/or conductive sensors. Lights 36 are also provided with the controls 34, as further shown in
In
Returning to
The fitness machine 2 further includes cupholders 44 or storage area with associated lights 46, which here outline the upper perimeter of the cupholder 44. An additional light 48 is shown outlining an emblem 50 on the side of each vertical member 28. Another light 52 is also provided on the back of the console 38 (facing away from the user), which as discussed further below may be provided as illuminated branding.
Additional information is now provided for an exemplary control system 40 for controlling lights for a fitness machine according to the present disclosure, as shown in
In certain examples, the control system 40 communicates with components of the fitness machine 2 via communication links CL, which can be any wired or wireless link. The control system 40 is capable of receiving information and/or controlling one or more operational characteristics of the fitness machine 2 and its various sub-systems by sending and receiving control signals via these communication links CL. The particular lines depicting the communication links CL are merely exemplary and other connections are contemplated by the present disclosure.
The control system 40 may be a computing system that includes a processing system 60, memory system 62, and input/output (I/O) system 64 for communicating with other devices, such as input devices 59 and output devices 61, either of which may also or alternatively be stored in a cloud 66. The processing system 60 loads and executes an executable program 68 from the memory system 62, accesses data 70 stored within the memory system 62, and directs the fitness machine 2 to operate as described in further detail below. It should be recognized that mechanisms for controlling a light via a control system are well known and thus not described further here.
The processing system 60 may be implemented as a single microprocessor or other circuitry or be distributed across multiple processing devices or sub-systems that cooperate to execute the executable program 68 from the memory system 62. Non-limiting examples of the processing system include general purpose central processing units, application specific processors, and logic devices.
The memory system 62 may comprise any storage media readable by the processing system 60 and capable of storing the executable program 68 and/or data 70. The memory system 62 may be implemented as a single storage device or be distributed across multiple storage devices or sub-systems that cooperate to store computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. The memory system 62 may include volatile and/or non-volatile systems and may include removable and/or non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information. The storage media may include non-transitory and/or transitory storage media, including random access memory, read only memory, magnetic discs, optical discs, flash memory, virtual memory, and non-virtual memory, magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store information and be accessed by an instruction execution system, for example.
Examples of different types of fitness machines are now provided. It will be recognized that these other types of fitness machines may include lights that are similar to those discussed above, in some cases being modified to account for the distinctions in the size, orientation, or configuration of the fitness machine.
The fitness machine 102 further includes vertical members 128 that extend upwardly from the base 108 to support horizontal members 130 displaced above the base 108. A user may use the horizontal members 130 for support and balance. A pair of handles 132 extend from the horizontal members 130 in a comfortable location for the operator to grip or otherwise access while exercising.
With continued reference to
The fitness machine 102 further includes a console 138 supported by the horizontal members 130. A control system 140 receives inputs from the controls 134 and console 138 and controls the operations of the base device 101 based at least in part thereon. The control system 140 may be considered in the same or a similar manner to that discussed above with respect to the control system 40 of
The fitness machine 202 is supported by a base 208 that rests upon the floor. The base 208 extends between a front 210 and a rear 212, a left 214 and a right 216, and a top 218 and a bottom 220. Covers 222 are provided to obscure the inner workings of the fitness machine 202. The covers 222 also include a rotating cover 223 that covers and rotates with the pulley 206, which is also referred to as a “motion ring” or “pizza pan”. A gap 224 is provided between the rotating cover 223 and the adjacent portion 221 of the covers 222 surrounding the rotating cover 223 to prevent contact therebetween. A light 226, such as a multi-colored LED, is provided so as to shine through the gap 224 when illuminated, similar to the light 26 discussed above with respect to the treadmill 4 of
The fitness machine 202 further includes vertical members 228 that extend upwardly from the base 208 to support horizontal members 230 displaced above the base 208. A user may use the horizontal members 230 for support and balance. A pair of handles 232 extend from the horizontal members 230 in a comfortable location for the operator to grip or otherwise access while exercising.
With continued reference to
The fitness machine 202 includes a console 238 supported by the horizontal members 230 similar to the fitness machines described above, which may include touchscreen controls. A control system 240 receives inputs from the controls 234 and console 238 and controls the operations of the base device 201 based at least in part thereon. The control system 240 may be considered in the same or a similar manner to that discussed above with respect to the control system 40 of
Each fitness machine 302 is supported by a base 308 that rests upon the floor. The base 308 extends between a front 310 and a rear 312, a left 314 and a right 316, and a top 318 and a bottom 320. Covers 322 are provided to obscure the inner workings of the fitness machine 302. The covers 322 also include a rotating crank 323 that covers and rotates with the pulley 306, which is also referred to as a “motion ring”. A gap 324 is provided between the rotating crank 323 and the adjacent portion 321 of the covers 322 surrounding the rotating crank 323 to prevent contact therebetween. A light 326, such as a multi-colored LED, is provided so as to shine through the gap 324 when illuminated, similar to the light 26 discussed above with respect to the treadmill 4 of
The fitness machines 302 of
With continued reference to
The fitness machines 302 includes a console 338 supported by the horizontal members 330 similar to the fitness machines described above. A control system 340 receives inputs from the controls 334 and console 338 and controls the operations of the base device 201 based at least in part thereon. The control system 340 may be considered in the same or a similar manner to that discussed above with respect to the control system 40 of
Yet another light 353 (which like other lights disclosed herein may be an array of individually controllable lighting elements) is provided as a backlight to the position numbers that indicate the positions for adjusting the seat and/or console (any of which may be adjustable in height and/or forward/backward positions). Exemplary animations for the lights L of
The present inventors have identified different ways in which the various lights L may be controlled to convey different types of information to the user and/or others near the fitness machine 2. In particular, the control system 40 discussed above (see
The examples provided below show control schemes for controlling the lights L in the context of specific types of fitness machines. However, it should be recognized that these control schemes can also be applied to other lights L and/or the lights L of other types of fitness machines. By way of example, teachings directed to the lights associated with the belt of a treadmill may also be used for the lights associated with stairs in a stair climbing machine, and/or lights associated with the motion rings of exercise bicycles or elliptical cross trainers.
In the example of
This increases the safety for the user and others around the machine by increasing the awareness that the belt 6 is spinning. In particular, the present inventors have recognized that there may be a subconscious assumption that an “empty” or “unused” fitness machine is not in operation and, thus, is safe. Therefore, controlling the lights L to raise awareness of the specific condition in which a fitness machine is not in use, but nonetheless has a spinning belt 6, increases awareness and may also remind a departing user to stop the belt 6 before leaving.
The process may be repeated at periodic intervals (e.g., cycling over a 10 second period and repeating twice), or may fill or empty to indicate a status of the fitness machine 2, such as progress for a workout. In one example, the light 26 “fills” such that the portion 76 illuminated mirrors the percent completion of an exercise by the user (e.g., the control system 40 causing the portion 76 of the light 26 illuminated to be 25% of the total length when the user is 5 minutes into a 20-minute exercise program). One example of control scheme for a fill/empty process with a faster duty cycle and/or overall time (i.e., including all repeated animations) is used for indicating that the control system 40 has detected the presence of a user stepping onto (and/or off of) the belt 6. In this case, the control system 40 may control the lights 26 to each fill or empty once or twice within 2 seconds of the detecting the user's presence (and/or departure) to indicate this detection to the user. This animation helps to inform the user that the fitness device 2 is ready to receive commands and begin exercising. In another example, the control scheme of
In certain embodiments, the lights 226 are controlled according to the progression between
In further embodiments, an exercise program executed by the fitness device provides the determination of when a cool down period will begin, which may be based on a wide variety of variables. The control system then recognizes the start of the cool down, which triggers the corresponding control of the lights according to the present disclosure. It should be recognized that the cool down period may be defined as the end portion of any period of exercise rather than being limited to a period of reduced exercise intensity.
Controlling the lights to indicate that the exercise will soon be ending provides an indication to prospective users that the fitness machine 202 is expected to be available again in the near term. Moreover, the position of the lights L according to the present disclosure particularly enable non-users to identify that the exercise will be ending soon. This is in contrast to indicia provided on the console 238, which while viewable by the user may be too small, too subtle, and/or improperly positioned to be viewable by others (particularly while the user is blocking the display). It is also impolite to be looking at the screen of another person. Thus, providing the lighting L and control schemes disclosed herein provide an alternative mechanism for checking the status of another person's exercise.
In other embodiments, the present inventors have identified that the lights 248 associated with the emblems 250 may be controlled to indicate that user assistance is required (also referred to as a “concierge light”). In this case, the control system receives an indication from the user needs non-emergency assistance or has a question, then controls the light 248 to indicate this request to fitness center personnel or others. This may be triggered by the user pressing a call button on the console 238, elsewhere on the fitness machine, or with a connected external device (e.g., a smart phone).
Controlling the light as a concierge light advantageously allows the user to call for assistance without pausing the exercise or exiting the fitness machine, which would also risk the user losing their place on the fitness machine. This control also advantageously brings the support personnel to the fitness machine in question, which is helpful in addressing machine-specific questions. Moreover, this control makes it more convenient for the user to learn how to use the fitness machine, which in turn makes them more likely to continue visiting in the future.
The light 248 need not operate as shown in
The present inventors have recognized that controlling the lights 46 of a cupholder 44 can be helpful to the user in multiple different occasions. First, the control system 40 may be configured to cause the lights 46 to flash or increment (e.g., 1 second at each state) at periodic intervals to remind the user to keep hydrated. In certain embodiments, this reminder is provided every 5 minutes or at another periodic intervals, in certain configurations being adjustable by the user using the console 38. The reminder may also or alternatively be provided at the start of the cool down, which may be determined as discussed above, or after a given resistance, speed, and/or incline of the exercise program changes.
In another case, the lights 46 associated with the cupholder 44 or another storage area may be controlled to guide the user in utilizing these areas. In one case, the lights 46 may be controlled upon detection of the user at the fitness machine to make them aware that these areas are available for storing items. In another case, the control system controls the lights 46 to remind the user to remove these items when the exercise is complete. This may be triggered by an exercise program being executed signaling to the control system that the exercise program is complete. The reminder may also be triggered by the user stopping the operation of the fitness machine (e.g., pressing a stop button or changing a belt speed to zero), and/or the user exiting the fitness machine. This solves the problem of users accidentally leaving electronic devices, water bottles, or even small items such as chap-stick or hair ties when departing. In many cases, the user may be discouraged from going back to check for these items later, especially if a new user has since started using the fitness machine.
In the embodiment of
In certain embodiments, the portion 76 of the light 36 to be illuminated when an imbalance is detected varies by the amount of the imbalance. For example, the illuminated portion 76 being the right 50% may correspond to detecting 20% more impact on the right foot, the right 25% may indicate 25% more impact on the right foot, and the right 10% may indicate 30% or greater impact on the right foot. In addition, or as an alternative to, than varying the portion 76 illuminated as a function of balance, the color may be changed to indicate the amount of imbalance (blue for 45%/55%, yellow for 40%/60%, orange for 35%/65%, and red for any greater imbalances). These control schemes allow the user to advantageously make real-time adjustments as needed, while also making the exercise entertaining as a game.
Other controls are also contemplated for increasing the engagement or entertainment while exercising. For example, the lights L may be controlled to flash, change colors, or otherwise vary each time a milestone is completed (e.g., each mile, every 10 minutes, etc.). In another example, lights L are caused to flash (or breathe or another animation) when the control system 40 determines that the user has slowed down. This raises the user's awareness of the change and encourages them to pick up the pace again.
Below are further examples of lights, positions for lights on fitness machines, and control schemes for controlling these lights according to the present disclosure.
It should be recognized that the particular animations discussed above are merely examples and that the control system 40 may control the various lights L in different manners, as well as to convey different types of information at different times than stated. This includes varying additional light attributes other than shown in the examples, controlling the lights L such that incremental changes are made in different time increments, or made in non-linear increments (e.g., filling or emptying in a non-linear fashion), and other control systems.
As discussed above, the lights may be controlled to improve the aesthetics or coordination of fitness equipment within a fitness facility, such as through the Halo Facility tool. By way of example, the lights may be controlled as a function of the time of day, energizing users with bright oranges and/or yellows in the morning and providing calmer shades of blue and/or green in the afternoon and early evening. The colors may also be controlled based on a facility's own colors, such as to mirror a university's colors. The colors may also be controlled as a function of events, such as using red and green for Christmas, red, white, and blue for July 4th or Memorial Day, pink and red for Valentine's Day, and green for St. Patrick's Day, by way of example. Color selections may also be made by the user and saved in the user's login information for a personalized experience.
In certain embodiments, fitness machines configured according to the present disclosure are configured to be reserved, such as by a user ahead of time or to reserve a group of machines for an upcoming class. In this case, the lights may be controlled in a manner to indicate that a machine is reserved and thus unavailable, such as gently pulsing or breathing and/or showing an orange or red color. The console may also display “Reserved” to help the user interpret the color indication until they recognize this scheme going forward. In contrast, unreserved and available machines may be shown in green or blue, by way of example.
The present inventors have further recognized that the different lights and control methods thereof disclosed herein may be utilized to provide further coaching for the user and/or assistance to a coach working with the user. By way of example, lights associated with the cup holders, seat adjustments, or belt may be controlled at least in part to indicate the user's performance or a recommended adjustment thereto. This may include Coach by Color® (by ICG, a Life Fitness brand) and/or other color-based coaching for the user as discussed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,833,661 and 11,179,618, each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein. For example, the cupholder or motion ring may be illuminated in a first color (e.g., white) when the user is exercising at a first intensity and in a second color (e.g., red) different than the first color when exercising at a second intensity. In another example, pulsing or breathing may be controlled such that the rate of pulsing or breathing varies by the user's intensity, the speed of operation (e.g., the RPM of the crankset), or other factors.
Certain embodiments according to the present disclosure relate to a fitness machine having a base device with which a user may perform an exercise. A control system is configured to operate the base device, to receive a preset time for the user to perform the exercise, to count an elapsed time since the exercise was started, and to determine a remaining time between the elapsed time and the preset time. A light is operatively controlled by the control system, wherein the control system is configured to compare the remaining time to a threshold time and to change the operation of the light when the remaining time is less than the threshold time so as to indicate to others that the exercise will be ending.
Another embodiment relates to a method 400 for controlling a fitness machine, as shown in
Certain embodiments further include continuing to operate the fitness machine in a cool down mode after the threshold time. In certain embodiments, the threshold time is 0 seconds, whereby the change to the second operating mode occurs when the preset time for working out has been completed. In certain embodiments the fitness machine includes a crankset rotatable by the user while performing the exercise, where the light at least partially encircles the crankset, and where the light is controlled in the second operating mode so as to create an appearance of rotating about the crankset. Certain embodiments further include changing the light to a third operating mode different than the second operating mode after a predetermined duration (e.g., 2 minutes), wherein the predetermined duration is less than the threshold time. This may indicate to the user or others that the user has now exceeded the cool down or transition period. Certain embodiments include a providing plurality of threshold times and separating the light into a plurality of segments, further including controlling the plurality of segments based on which of the plurality of threshold times the remaining time is less than such the light changes as the remaining time changes.
Another embodiment generally relates to a method 500 for controlling a treadmill (see
Certain embodiments further include waiting a predetermined time after detecting the absence of the user on the belt while the belt is rotating before changing the operation of the light. In certain embodiments the predetermined time is 45 seconds, 5 seconds, 2 seconds, or other times. In certain embodiments the predetermined time is a first predetermined time and the method includes changing the operation of the light further if the absence of the user on the belt remains for a second predetermined time after the first predetermined time. In certain embodiments the light is changed to red after the first predetermined time and changed in brightness after the second predetermined time.
Another embodiment generally refers to a method 600 for controlling a fitness machine (see
Certain embodiments further include counting an elapsed time since the exercise was started and temporarily changing the light to a third operating mode different than the first operating mode on a periodic basis so as to remind the user to hydrate. By way of example, the periodic basis may be a preset time such as 5 minutes, a stage or phase of a workout, a certain number calculated distance or number of calories burned, or be selected according to an inputted user preference. Certain embodiments further include receiving a preset time for the user to perform the exercise (as discussed above), counting an elapsed time since the exercise was started, and comparing the elapsed time to the preset time, where the exercise is determined to have ended when the elapsed time is greater than or equal to the preset time. Certain embodiments further include detecting an absence of a user on the fitness machine and determining that the exercise has ended based on detecting the absence of the user.
Another embodiment generally relates to a method 700 for controlling a fitness machine (see
It should be recognized that while the present disclosure gave many examples of lights being controlled according to pre-programmed routines, the present disclosure also contemplates configurations in which these controls may be selected or modified by a user. For example, the user may select the color or duration for a given animation (e.g., indicating cooldown for a treadmill), may select the assignment of animations to indicate different types of information (e.g., breathing versus “filling” to indicate that stair steps are starting to rotate), and/or other combinations.
The functional block diagrams, operational sequences, and flow diagrams provided in the Figures are representative of exemplary architectures, environments, and methodologies for performing novel aspects of the disclosure. While, for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the methodologies included herein may be in the form of a functional diagram, operational sequence, or flow diagram, and may be described as a series of acts, it is to be understood and appreciated that the methodologies are not limited by the order of acts, as some acts may, in accordance therewith, occur in a different order and/or concurrently with other acts from that shown and described herein. For example, those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate that a methodology can alternatively be represented as a series of interrelated states or events, such as in a state diagram. Moreover, not all acts illustrated in a methodology may be required for a novel implementation.
This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. Certain terms have been used for brevity, clarity, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be inferred therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes only and are intended to be broadly construed. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have features or structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent features or structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/403,087, filed Sep. 1, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
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63403087 | Sep 2022 | US |