Patent Application
20220362613
One popular form of physical exercise is known as Pilates. Pilates is sometimes described as the art of controlled movements or stretches, which should look and feel like a workout when properly manifested. If practiced with consistency, Pilates may improve flexibility, build strength, and develop control and endurance in the entire body.
Unfortunately, boredom and burnout is often experienced by users who perform Pilates at home. Additionally, conventional Pilates exercise machines are somewhat complicated, and it can be difficult for users to properly configure conventional Pilates exercise machines. This boredom and burnout, and this difficulty in properly configuring conventional Pilates exercise machines, can cause users to give up on their Pilates workouts, thus resulting in the users failing to improve flexibility, build strength, and develop control and endurance.
The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is only provided to illustrate one example technology area where some embodiments described herein may be practiced.
In one aspect of the disclosure, a motorized Pilates reformer system may include a frame, a carriage configured to slide along the frame, springs attached to the carriage, attachment mechanisms attached to the frame, spring motors attached to the frame, a footbar rotatably attached to the frame, and a footbar motor attached to the frame. The spring motors may be configured to cause the attachment mechanisms to each alternate between attaching one of the springs to the frame and detaching the spring from the frame. The footbar motor may be configured to rotate the footbar with respect to the frame between multiple footbar positions.
Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include each of the attachment mechanisms including a housing defining a receptacle configured to receive a portion of one of the springs and a pin configured to be moved by one of the motors between an attached position, in which the pin prevents the spring from being removed from the receptacle to attach the spring to the frame, and a detached position, in which the pin allows the spring to be removed from the receptacle to detach the spring from the frame.
Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include the receptacle being a cone-shaped receptacle and the portion of the spring configured to be received in the cone-shaped receptacle also being cone-shaped.
Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include the cone-shaped receptacle including an opening at a narrower end of the cone-shaped receptacle, the portion of the spring configured to be received in the cone-shaped receptacle including a hook configured to extend through the opening, and the pin being positioned to engage with the hook outside the cone-shaped receptacle.
Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include the pin being configured to be moved by the motor moving a linear actuator which causes the pin to rotate about an axis between the attached position and the detached position.
Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include the footbar positions including a first position, in which the footbar is angled about 90 degrees with respect to the frame, and a second position, in which the footbar is angled about 75 degrees to about 15 degrees with respect to the frame.
Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include the footbar positions including a first position, in which the footbar is angled about 90 degrees with respect to the frame, and a second position, in which the footbar is angled about 60 degrees to about 30 degrees with respect to the frame.
Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include each of the attachment mechanisms being attached to the frame such that the attachment mechanism is repositionable by the corresponding spring motor to cause the corresponding spring to have more or less tension.
Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include the motorized Pilates reformer system further including a software application configured to control the spring motors and the footbar motors.
Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include the software application being further configured to receive, over the Internet at a local location that is location to the local motorized Pilates reformer, a video workout program, to cause one or more processors at the local location to execute the first time segment of the video workout program, and upon conclusion of the first time segment, to cause the one or more processors at the local location to execute the second time segment of the video workout program. The video workout program may include a video that includes a depiction of a trainer performing a Pilates workout on a remote motorized Pilates reformer. The video workout program may further include at least a first time segment and a second time segment. The video workout program may further include first exercise machine control commands synchronized with the video during the first time segment and second exercise machine control commands synchronized with the video during the second time segment, with changes between the first and second exercise machine control commands synchronized with associated changes in the Pilates workout depicted in the video between the first and second time segments. The execution of the first time segment of the video workout program may include displaying the first time segment of the video on an electronic display and controlling the spring motors and the footbar motor according to the first exercise machine control commands. The execution of the second time segment of the video workout program may include displaying the second time segment of the video on the electronic display and controlling the spring motors and the footbar motor according to the second exercise machine control commands.
In one aspect of the disclosure, a method for controlling a local motorized Pilates reformer using a remotely-created video workout program may include various actions. The method may include capturing, at a remote location that is remote from the local motorized Pilates reformer, a video that includes a depiction of a trainer performing a Pilates workout on a remote motorized Pilates reformer. The method may also include creating a video workout program including the video. The video workout program may further include at least a first time segment and a second time segment. The video workout program may further include first exercise machine control commands synchronized with the video during the first time segment and second exercise machine control commands synchronized with the video during the second time segment, with changes between the first and second exercise machine control commands synchronized with associated changes in the Pilates workout depicted in the video between the first and second time segments. The method may also include receiving, over the Internet at a local location that is location to the local motorized Pilates reformer, the video workout program. The local motorized Pilates reformer may include a frame, a carriage configured to slide along the frame, springs attached to the carriage, attachment mechanisms attached to the frame, spring motors attached to the frame and configured to cause the attachment mechanisms to each alternate between attaching one of the springs to the frame and detaching the spring from the frame, a footbar rotatably attached to the frame, and a footbar motor attached to the frame and configured to rotate the footbar with respect to the frame between multiple footbar positions. The method may also include executing, by one or more processors at the local location, the first time segment of the video workout program by displaying the first time segment of the video on an electronic display and by controlling the spring motors and the footbar motor according to the first exercise machine control commands. The method may further include upon conclusion of the first time segment, executing, by the one or more processors, the second time segment of the video workout program by displaying the second time segment of the video on the electronic display and by controlling the spring motors and the footbar motor according to the second exercise machine control commands.
Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include that controlling the spring motors and the footbar motor according to the first exercise machine control commands includes controlling the spring motors such that the attachment of the springs to the frame matches an attachment of springs depicted in the video during the first time segment, and controlling the footbar motor such that the footbar position of the footbar matches a footbar position depicted in the video during the first time segment.
Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include that controlling the controlling the spring motors and the footbar motor according to the second exercise machine control commands includes controlling the spring motors such that the attachment of the springs to the frame matches an attachment of springs depicted in the video during the second time segment, controlling the footbar motor such that the footbar position of the footbar matches a footbar position depicted in the video during the second time segment.
Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include that controlling the controlling the spring motors and the footbar motor according to the first exercise machine control commands includes controlling the spring motors such that the attachment of the springs to the frame correlates to a scaled attachment of springs depicted in the video during the first time segment, and controlling the footbar motor such that the footbar position of the footbar correlates to a scaled footbar position depicted in the video during the first time segment.
Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include that controlling the controlling the spring motors and the footbar motor according to the second exercise machine control commands includes controlling the spring motors such that the attachment of the springs to the frame correlates to a scaled attachment of springs depicted in the video during the second time segment, and controlling the footbar motor such that the footbar position of the footbar correlates to a scaled footbar position depicted in the video during the second time segment.
Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include that the electronic display and the one or more processors are integrated into a local computing device that is at the local location, separate from the local motorized Pilates reformer, and in wireless communication with the spring motors and footbar motor of the local motorized Pilates reformer.
Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include that the electronic display and the one or more processors are integrated into the local motorized Pilates reformer.
Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include the method further including receiving, by one or more processors during execution of the second time segment of the video workout program, an override input by the user, and in response receiving the override input, continuing to execute, by one or more processors, the second time segment of the video workout program by displaying the second time segment of the video on the electronic display but ceasing to control the spring motors and the footbar motor according to the second exercise machine control commands.
Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include the method further including receiving, by one or more processors during execution of the second time segment of the video workout program, a follow input by the user, and in response receiving the follow input, continuing to execute, by one or more processors, the second time segment of the video workout program by displaying the second time segment of the video on the electronic display and again controlling the spring motors and the footbar motor according to the second exercise machine control commands.
Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include the method further including repositioning one or more of the attachment mechanisms with respect to the frame by the corresponding spring motor to cause the corresponding spring to have more or less tension.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing summary and the following detailed description are explanatory and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed.
Embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:
Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements.
Regular performance of Pilates may improve flexibility, build strength, and develop control and endurance in the entire body. Unfortunately, however, boredom and burnout is often experienced by users who perform Pilates at home, and conventional Pilates exercise machines are somewhat complicated and difficult for users to properly configure. For example, conventional Pilates exercise machines require frequent and sometimes complicated adjustment of various parts of the machines, which can be difficult and aggravating to users. This boredom and burnout and difficulty in properly configuring conventional Pilates exercise machines can cause users to give up on their Pilates workouts, thus resulting in the users failing to improve flexibility, build strength, and develop control and endurance.
Some embodiments disclosed herein may include a motorized Pilates reformer system. For example, unlike a conventional Pilates reformer, where a user must frequently manually attach and detach springs from a frame, the springs in a motorized Pilates reformer system may be automatically attached and detached from the frame. Further, unlike a conventional Pilates reformer, where a user must frequently manually adjust and readjust the angle on a footbar, the angle of a footbar in a motorized Pilates reformer system may be automatically adjusted and readjusted. Also, unlike a conventional Pilates reformer where a user has little or no guidance during a Pilates workout, a motorized Pilates reformer system may include a video workout program that both guides the user through the Pilates workout (e.g., by displaying a video of a trainer performing the Pilates workout), as well as automatically controls the spring motors and the footbar motor to automatically adjust the springs and footbar at the appropriate times during the Pilates workout (e.g., to match or correspond to the springs and footbar of the trainer as depicted in the video). In this manner, the motorized Pilates reformer system disclosed herein may minimize or overcome the boredom and burnout and difficulty in properly configuring conventional Pilates exercise machines, thus resulting in users sticking with their Pilates workouts, and resulting in the users improving flexibility, building strength, and developing control and endurance.
Turning now to the drawings,
In some embodiments, the network 118 may be configured to communicatively couple any two devices in the system 100 to one another, and/or to other devices. In some embodiments, the network 118 may be any wired or wireless network, or combination of multiple networks, configured to send and receive communications between systems and devices. In some embodiments, the network 118 may include a Personal Area Network (PAN), a Local Area Network (LAN), a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), a Storage Area Network (SAN), the Internet, or some combination thereof. In some embodiments, the network 118 may also be coupled to, or may include, portions of a telecommunications network, such as a cellular network, for sending data in a variety of different communication protocols.
In the remote location 102, the system 100 may include one or more video cameras, such as the video camera 106, that may be employed to capture video for use in a video workout program as described herein. The video camera 106 may include stabilization capabilities to avoid the captured video from being unduly shaky. The video captured by the video camera 106 may be used in video workout programs. The video may be captured by one or more videographers, such as the videographer 110, and in some embodiments may depict one or more trainers, such as a trainer 108, performing or directing a workout, such as a Pilates workout. The trainer 108 may provide instructions and/or commentary in the video with respect to the workout being performed or directed by the trainer 108.
The videos used in the video workout programs herein may be captured and/or generated in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, the trainer 108 may perform or direct a Pilates workout at the remote location 102 and the videographer 110 may capture video of the trainer 108 as the trainer 108 performs or directs the Pilates workout. For example, the videographer 110 may use the video camera 106 to capture video of the trainer 108 performing a Pilates workout in which the trainer 108 performs Pilates exercise on a remote motorized Pilates reformer 112.
In some embodiments, performance parameters of the trainer 108 performing or directing a Pilates workout may be recorded the trainer 108 performs or directs the Pilates workout. For example, performance parameters may be recorded for the trainer 108 as they perform or direct their Pilates workouts. The performance parameters may include speed, cadence, heart rate, footbar angle, spring attachment configuration, or other performance parameters. The performance parameters of the trainer 108 may be used to create, or automatically create, control commands, as described in more detail elsewhere herein.
In some embodiments, video workout programs herein may include video with or without an instructor depicted in the video. For example, some video for use in video workout programs herein may depict real or virtual environments or scenery without a trainer, such as a beach, a mountain meadow, a field of flowers, a jungle, or other locations or objects devoid of an instructor. In some embodiments, such video may include audio of a trainer performing or directing a Pilates workout without depicting the trainer in the video.
The various videos discussed herein may be formatted in any one of multiple video formats, at least some of which being capable of supporting a subtitle stream. Some example formats may include MPEG-4, Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP (MPEG-DASH), and HTTP Live Streaming (HLS).
Next, a producer (not shown) or other user may utilize a computer 114 to input control commands for the video into a video workout program, which may be encoded into a subtitle stream of the video or the combined video, or may be encoded separately from the video or the combined video, such as in separate data packets. For example, where the video is being produced to be utilized as a live video workout program, the producer may input the control commands using the computer 114 synchronously or substantially synchronously with the video camera 106 capturing the video of the trainer 108 performing or directing the Pilates workout (e.g., during a live event). In this example, the producer may also give corresponding instructions to the trainer 108, such as through an earpiece worn by the trainer 108, to help the trainer 108 and the producer be in sync following a common script or plan for the Pilates workout. Alternatively, where the video is produced to be utilized in a pre-recorded or archived video workout program, the producer may input control commands using the computer 114 subsequent to the capture of the video of the trainer 108 performing or directing the Pilates workout (e.g., minutes, hours, or days after the live event). The control commands may control operation of motorized Pilates reformers (e.g., using spring motors and/or footbar motors) at which the video workout program is executed.
In some embodiments, the video workout program, including the video and the control commands (which may be encoded in the subtitle stream of the video, or may be encoded separately from the video) may then be transmitted over the network 118 from the remote server 113 in the remote location 102 to a local server 116 in the local location 104.
The video workout program may then be transmitted from the local server 116 to be used in connection with a motorized Pilates reformer 200. For example, the video workout program may be transmitted from the local server 116 to the motorized Pilates reformer 200, which may function in connection with an electronic display, such as an electronic display of a smart mirror device 124. This electronic display may be a touchscreen display, and/or include one or more other user interfaces for user interaction with the electronic display. Alternatively or additionally, a separate tablet 122 or other mobile device (e.g., a smartphone) may function as an electronic display, or may function in connection with the electronic display of the smart mirror device 124. The tablet 122 may communicate with the smart mirror device 124 and/or with the motorized Pilates reformer 200, via a wired or wireless network connection, such as a Bluetooth connection. In some embodiments, the local server 116 may be eliminated, and the tablet 122, the smart mirror device 124, and/or with the motorized Pilates reformer 200 may communicate directly over the Internet with the remote server 113 or other device where the video workout program is stored or is being streamed from.
At the tablet 122 or the smart mirror device 124, or more generally at the motorized Pilates reformer 200, the video and the control commands (which may be encoded in the subtitle stream of the video or the combined video) may be decoded and/or accessed. Then, the tablet 122 or the smart mirror device 124, or more generally any other electronic display associated with the motorized Pilates reformer 200, may display the video from the video workout program (e.g., of the trainer 108 performing or directing a Pilates workout) while simultaneously controlling attached of springs 202a-202e to a frame 204 and/or simultaneously controlling the angle of the footbar 206 with respect to the frame 204 using the control commands.
A user, such as a user 109, may perform a Pilates workout of a video workout program using the motorized Pilates reformer 200, at which the video workout program is executed. Further, during performance of a Pilates workout by the user 109 using the video workout program on the motorized Pilates reformer 200, a heart rate of the user 109 may be monitored by the tablet 122 or the smart mirror device 124, or more generally at the motorized Pilates reformer 200 or another device. This heart rate monitoring may be accomplished by receiving continuous heart rate measurements wirelessly (such as over Bluetooth or Ant+) from a heart rate monitoring device worn by the user 109, such as a heart rate strap 111b or a heart rate watch 111a, or other wearable heart rate monitor. Alternatively, the heart rate monitoring device may be built into another device, such as being built into or programmed into a built-in camera of the tablet 122, of the smart mirror device 124, or of the motorized Pilates reformer 200.
The heart rate strap 111b and the heart rate watch 111a are examples of sensors that may be used to generate and/or gather biological parameters, performance parameters, or other information of users of the motorized Pilates reformer 200. Such sensors may generally include heart rate sensors (such as may be included in the heart rate strap 111b and the heart rate watch 111a), VO2 max sensors, brain wave sensors, hydration level sensors, breathing/respiratory rate sensors, blood pressure sensors, current sensors, speed sensors (e.g., tachometers), weight sensors, pressure sensors, gait sensors, fingerprint sensors, biometric sensors (e.g., heart rate sensors, breathing sensors, gait sensors, fingerprint sensors), accelerometers, or other sensors. Such sensors may be integrated with, included in, coupled to, or otherwise associated with one or more of the motorized Pilates reformer 200 and/or the user(s) of the motorized Pilates reformer 200. These biological parameters, performance parameters, or other information may be sent back to the server 113 and/or to the trainer 108, either after the Pilates workout is complete, or in the case of a live Pilates workout, in real-time during the workout. This may enable the trainer 108 to track the real-time performance of the user 109 and give the user real-time feedback and guidance during the Pilates workout and/or modify the Pilates workout in real-time to better tailor the Pilates workout to the capability and/or desires of the user 109. ese biological parameters, performance parameters, or other information may also be used in real-time to scale or otherwise modify the Pilates workout to better match the current fitness level of the user 109.
In some embodiments in which biological parameters are collected (such as heart rate), a probability that the biological data is accurate may be determined. For example, when gathering heart rate data from a heart-rate strap or heart rate watch (such as the heart rate strap 111b or the heart rate watch 111a) worn by the user, it is possible that the heart rate data is inaccurate due to improper positioning of the strap, some debris or other object or material blocking all or part of a sensor of the heart rate watch or strap, poor connectivity with the receiver, etc. To account for this possibility, some embodiments may analyze the probability of the heart rate data being accurate, and where the probability of accuracy is below some threshold may discard, ignore, or otherwise not rely on the heart rate data.
Rotation of the linkage 215 may cause rotation of the footbar 206. The linkage 215 may be attached to the frame 204. The footbar 206 may be supported by the linkage and not attached to the frame 204. The linkage 215 may be configured to rotate relative to the frame 204 as the linear actuator 213 extends or retracts. The proximate end of the footbar 206 may rotate as the linkage 215 rotates, causing the footbar to rotate relative to the frame 204. As the linear actuator 213 extends, the linkage 215 may rotate clockwise from the perspective shown in
In some embodiments, the receptacle 504 may have a shape that matches the shape of the end of the spring 202a, such as a cone shaped, a pyramid shape, or any other shape. This shape may be tapered to assist in the mating of the spring 202a and the receptacle 504. Further, in some embodiments, the receptacle 504 may include an opening 508 at a narrower end (e.g., tapered end) of the receptacle 504, and the portion of the spring 202a that is configured to be received in the receptacle 504 may include a hook 220 configured to extend through the opening 508, thus allowing the pin 506 to be positioned to engage with the hook 220 outside the receptacle 504 (as shown in
Further, in some embodiments, each of the attachment mechanisms 500 may be attached to the frame 204 such that the attachment mechanism 500 is repositionable by the corresponding spring motor to cause the corresponding spring to have more or less tension (e.g., by repositioning the attachment mechanism 500 closer to or further away from the carriage 208).
The method 600 may include, at action 602, capturing a video that includes a depiction of a trainer performing a Pilates workout. For example, the action 602 may include capturing, at the remote location 102 that is remote from the local location 104 of the motorized Pilates reformer 200, a video (e.g., using the video camera 106) that includes a depiction of the trainer 108 performing a Pilates workout on the remote motorized Pilates reformer 112.
The method 600 may include, at action 604, creating a video workout program including the video and exercise machine control commands synchronized with the Pilates workout depicted in the video. For example, the action 604 may include creating a video workout program (e.g., by a producer using the computer 114, or automatically using a software application or artificial intelligence) including the video. The video workout program may further include at least a first time segment (e.g., for the first Pilates stretch of the Pilates workout) and a second time segment (e.g., for the second Pilates stretch of the Pilates workout). The video workout program may further include first exercise machine control commands (e.g., for the spring motors and the footbar motor) that are synchronized with the video during the first time segment, and second exercise machine control commands (e.g., for the spring motors and the footbar motor) synchronized with the video during the second time segment, with changes between the first and second exercise machine control commands synchronized with associated changes in the Pilates workout depicted in the video (e.g., the Pilates workout being performed by the trainer 108 on the remote motorized Pilates reformer 112) between the first and second time segments. These exercise machine control commands may be automatically transmitted from the remote motorized Pilates reformer 112 (after having been set by the trainer 108, for example) to the remote server 113 or the computer 114, to be included with the video in the video workout program (e.g., by being encoded in a subtitle stream of the video, or encoded separately by synchronized with the video). After the video workout program is created, it may be transmitted over the Internet (e.g., from the remote location 102 to the local location 104) to the motorized Pilates reformer 200.
The method 600 may include, at action 606, executing the video workout program by displaying the video on an electronic display and by controlling the spring motors and the footbar motor according to the exercise machine control commands. For example, the action 606 may include executing, by one or more processors at the local location 104 (e.g., by one or more processors of the motorized Pilates reformer 200, of the tablet 122, and/or of the smart mirror device 124), the first time segment of the video workout program by displaying the first time segment of the video on an electronic display (e.g., an electronic display of the tablet 122 and/or of the smart mirror device 124) and by controlling the spring motors M1-M5 and the footbar motor 212 according to the first exercise machine control commands. Then, upon conclusion of the first time segment, the action 606 may include executing, by the one or more processors, the second time segment of the video workout program by displaying the second time segment of the video on the electronic display and by controlling the spring motors M1-M5 and the footbar motor 212 according to the second exercise machine control commands. In some embodiments, the action 606 may include controlling the spring motors M1-M5 such that the attachment of the springs 202a-202e to the frame 204 matches an attachment of springs depicted in the video (e.g., of the trainer 108) and controlling the footbar motor 212 such that the footbar position of the footbar 206 matches a footbar position depicted in the video (e.g., of the trainer 108). In some embodiments, instead of matching the trainer 108, the motors may be controlled to instead only correlate to a scaled version of the trainer 108 to allow, for example, a user 109 who is less fit to do a scaled-down (easier) version of the Pilates workout than the trainer 108, or a user 109 who is more fit to do a scaled-up (harder) version of the Pilates workout than the trainer 108.
The method 600 may include, at action 608, receiving an override input by the user. For example, action 608 may include receiving, by one or more processors during execution of the second time segment of the video workout program, an override input by the user 109 (e.g., by the user selecting a control on a touch-screen to override the control by the video workout program).
The method 600 may include, at action 610, continuing to execute the video workout program by displaying video on the electronic display but ceasing to control the spring motors and the footbar motor according to the exercise machine control commands. For example, the action 610 may include, in response receiving the override input, continuing to execute, by one or more processors, the second time segment of the video workout program by displaying the second time segment of the video on the electronic display but ceasing to control the spring motors and the footbar motor according to the second exercise machine control commands.
The method 600 may include, at action 612, receiving a follow input by the user. For example, the action 612 may include receiving, by one or more processors during execution of the second time segment of the video workout program, a follow input by the user 109 (e.g., by the user selecting a control on a touch-screen to again follow the trainer to allow control by the video workout program).
The method 600 may include, at action 614, continuing to execute the video workout program by displaying the video on the electronic display and again controlling the spring motors and the footbar motor according to the exercise machine control commands. For example, the action 614 may include, in response receiving the follow input, continuing to execute, by one or more processors, the second time segment of the video workout program by displaying the second time segment of the video on the electronic display and again controlling the spring motors and the footbar motor according to the second exercise machine control commands.
Although the actions of the method 600 are illustrated in
The computer system 700 may include a processor 702, a memory 704, a file system 706, a communication unit 708, an operating system 710, a user interface 712, and an application 714, which all may be communicatively coupled. In some embodiments, the computer system may be, for example, a desktop computer, a client computer, a server computer, a mobile phone, a laptop computer, a smartphone, a smartwatch, a tablet computer, a portable music player, an exercise machine console, a video camera, or any other computer system.
Generally, the processor 702 may include any computer, computing entity, or processing device including various computer hardware or software applications and may be configured to execute instructions stored on any applicable computer-readable storage media. For example, the processor 702 may include a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), or any other digital or analog circuitry configured to interpret and/or to execute program instructions and/or to process data, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the processor 702 may interpret and/or execute program instructions and/or process data stored in the memory 704 and/or the file system 706. In some embodiments, the processor 702 may fetch program instructions from the file system 706 and load the program instructions into the memory 704. After the program instructions are loaded into the memory 704, the processor 702 may execute the program instructions. In some embodiments, the instructions may include the processor 702 performing one or more actions of the method disclosed herein.
The memory 704 and the file system 706 may include computer-readable storage media for carrying or having stored thereon computer-executable instructions or data structures. Such computer-readable storage media may be any available non-transitory media that may be accessed by a computer, such as the processor 702. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable storage media may include non-transitory computer-readable storage media including Read-Only Memory (ROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), Compact Disc Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, flash memory devices (e.g., solid state memory devices), or any other storage media which may be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and which may be accessed by a computer. Combinations of the above may also be included within the scope of computer-readable storage media. Computer-executable instructions may include, for example, instructions and data configured to cause the processor 702 to perform a certain operation or group of operations, such as one or more actions of the methods disclosed herein. These computer-executable instructions may be included, for example, in the operating system 710, in one or more applications, or in some combination thereof.
The communication unit 708 may include any component, device, system, or combination thereof configured to transmit or receive information over a network, such as the network 118 of
The operating system 710 may be configured to manage hardware and software resources of the computer system 700 and configured to provide common services for the computer system 700.
The user interface 712 may include any device configured to allow a user to interface with the computer system 700. For example, the user interface 712 may include a display, such as an LCD, LED, or other display, that is configured to present video, text, application user interfaces, and other data as directed by the processor 702. The user interface 712 may further include a mouse, a track pad, a keyboard, a touchscreen, volume controls, other buttons, a speaker, a microphone, a camera, any peripheral device, or other input or output device. The user interface 712 may receive input from a user and provide the input to the processor 702. Similarly, the user interface 712 may present output to a user.
The application 714 may be one or more computer-readable instructions stored on one or more non-transitory computer-readable media, such as the memory 704 or the file system 706, that, when executed by the processor 702, is configured to perform one or more actions of the methods disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the application 714 may be part of the operating system 710 or may be part of an application of the computer system 700, or may be some combination thereof. In some embodiments, the application 714 may include a machine learning model. In general, the machine learning model may be trained based on sample data, known as training data, in order to make predictions or decisions without being explicitly programmed to do so. The machine learning model may employ machine learning algorithms, and may be supervised or unsupervised. The machine learning model may be trained over time to become more and more accurate. The machine learning model may be trained, for example, using a Decision Tree, Naive Bayes Classifier, K-Nearest Neighbors, Support Vector Machines, or Artificial Neural Networks. The machine learning model may be employed in any of the methods herein to perform actions with increasing effectiveness and accuracy over time, as the machine learning model learns and is periodically retrained to make more accurate predictions or decisions. For example, any of the actions in the methods disclosed herein, or any other action, may be performed by the machine learning model in order to perform these actions with increasing effectiveness and accuracy over time as the machine learning model learns.
Various modifications to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings will now be disclosed.
In general, embodiments disclosed herein may include a motorized Pilates reformer system that automates the changing of resistance on the carriage of the reformer and that automates the changing of the angle of the footbar of the reformer. In some embodiments, this automatic changing may be configured to match, or to correlate by scaling, a Pilates workout being performed by a trainer in a video workout program.
Although the resistance disclosed herein is generally automatically modified by attaching and detaching springs, it is understood that other forms of changing resistance may be employed. For example, the resistance provided by any given spring can be increased or decreased by the motor causing the spring to be twisted to be wound tighter to increase resistance and to be unwound to decrease resistance. In another example, the resistance may be provided by one or more gas shocks (e.g., without any springs or motors). In another example, the resistance may be provided by one or more magnets or electromagnets (e.g., without any springs or motors). In another example, one or more motors may modify the resistance herein by one or more motors themselves providing the resistance (e.g., without any springs). For example, a motor could be attached to the carriage by a cable, and the motor could be controlled to wind and unwind the cable in a controlled fashion in order for the motor to provide resistance to movement of the carriage in one direction or both directions. Additionally or alternatively, one or more motors could engage one or more wheels of the carriage and be controlled to provide resistance to movement of the carriage, such as resistance that mimics or approximates the resistance provided by the springs. These motors could be stepper motors, or other types of electric motors. The use of electric motors themselves providing resistance, rather than springs providing resistance, may further facilitate the use of sensors, either built into the motors or separate from the motors, to track movement of, and forces exerted by, the user (e.g., movement of the carriage, and force exerted against the carriage, by the user), such that calories burned, watts expended, and other exercise parameters can be tracked and/or calculated. This tracking of user movements may be accomplished using optical markings along one or both of the rails, rotary positions of one or more of the carriage wheels, address plates, or other movement tracking technology. Further, in some embodiments, these motors may provide progressive resistance that is progressively increased during a workout.
Further, one or more brakes (e.g., friction, magnetic, or electromagnetic) and/or torsion springs (either manually controlled or electronically controlled) could engage one or more wheels of the carriage and be controlled to provide resistance to movement of the carriage. In some embodiments, the brakes that engage one or more of the wheels may be configured with regenerative braking as an energy recovery mechanism that slows down the carriage by converting its kinetic energy into electricity that can be either used immediately or stored in one or more batteries until needed, such as to power electric motor(s) and/or electronic display(s) of the motorized Pilates reformer system disclosed herein. Also, in some embodiments the carriage may be eliminated.
Further, although the motorized Pilates reformer disclosed herein has a frame with two rails, other frame configurations are possible, including a frame with one rail. Also, it is understood that the motorized Pilates reformer may have additional structures, such as structure to elevate the machine off the floor (e.g., legs and/or wheels), and such as structures to attach ropes to assist in the Pilates workout (e.g., see the machine 112 in
Further, any of the displays disclosed herein may also include a camera. This camera may be employed to capture photographs and/or video of the user that can be displayed on the display so the user can see themself in real-time. Additionally or alternatively, the video of the user can be transmitted over a network to be used by a remote trainer, coach, or other person interested in viewing the Pilates workout of the user and potentially to enable feedback to be sent back to the user.
Also, the motorized Pilates reformer disclosed herein may include access control and/or lockout features to enable one or more movable members of the Pilates reformer (e.g., the slidable carriage, the springs, the attachment mechanisms, the spring motors, the rotatable footbar, the footbar motor, etc.) to be locked until an authorized user (e.g., an adult rather than a child) is automatically determined to be proximate to the Pilates reformer. For example, the motorized Pilates reformer disclosed herein may include any of the access control and/or lockout features described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/211,870, filed Jun. 17, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all that it discloses may be employed in disclosed herein.
Further, in some embodiments, the motorized Pilates reformer disclosed herein may include one or more physical guards to protect hands, feet, hair, or other body parts from coming into contact with the springs. For example, one or more physical guards may act as a barrier between body parts of the user of the motorized Pilates reformer and the springs, such as a cover over the top of the springs, or a rubber boot or other cover that encapsulates each spring such that the boot bunches up when the spring is in the retracted position but still continues to cover the whole spring when the spring is in the extended position. One or more physical guards may also protect body parts of the user from other portions of the motorized Pilates reformer, such as from the ropes of the motorized Pilates reformer.
In accordance with common practice, the various features illustrated in the drawings may not be drawn to scale. The illustrations presented in the present disclosure are not meant to be actual views of any particular apparatus (e.g., device, system, etc.) or method, but are merely example representations that are employed to describe various embodiments of the disclosure. Accordingly, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. In addition, some of the drawings may be simplified for clarity. Thus, the drawings may not depict all of the components of a given apparatus (e.g., device) or all operations of a particular method.
Terms used herein and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including, but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes, but is not limited to,” etc.).
Additionally, if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations.
In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, it is understood that such recitation should be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” or “one or more of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended to include A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B, and C together, etc. For example, the use of the term “and/or” is intended to be construed in this manner.
Further, any disjunctive word or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the summary, detailed description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” should be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”
Additionally, the use of the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., are not necessarily used herein to connote a specific order or number of elements. Generally, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., are used to distinguish between different elements as generic identifiers. Absence a showing that the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., connote a specific order, these terms should not be understood to connote a specific order. Furthermore, absence a showing that the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., connote a specific number of elements, these terms should not be understood to connote a specific number of elements. For example, a first widget may be described as having a first side and a second widget may be described as having a second side. The use of the term “second side” with respect to the second widget may be to distinguish such side of the second widget from the “first side” of the first widget and not to connote that the second widget has two sides.
The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation, has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, the illustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention as claimed to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described to explain practical applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention as claimed and various embodiments with various modifications as may be suited to the particular use contemplated.
1. A motorized Pilates reformer system comprising:
2. The motorized Pilates reformer system of section 1, wherein each of the attachment mechanisms includes:
3. The motorized Pilates reformer system of section 2, wherein:
4. The motorized Pilates reformer system of section 3, wherein:
5. The motorized Pilates reformer system of section 4, wherein:
6. The motorized Pilates reformer system of section 1, wherein the footbar positions include:
7. The motorized Pilates reformer system of section 1, wherein the footbar positions include:
8. The motorized Pilates reformer system of section 1, wherein each of the attachment mechanisms are attached to the frame such that the attachment mechanism is repositionable by the corresponding spring motor to cause the corresponding spring to have more or less tension.
9. The motorized Pilates reformer system of section 1, further comprising:
10. The motorized Pilates reformer system of section 9, wherein the software application is further configured to:
11. A method for controlling a local motorized Pilates reformer using a remotely-created video workout program, the method comprising:
12. The method of section 11, wherein controlling the spring motors and the footbar motor according to the first exercise machine control commands includes:
13. The method of section 12, wherein controlling the controlling the spring motors and the footbar motor according to the second exercise machine control commands includes:
14. The method of section 11, wherein controlling the controlling the spring motors and the footbar motor according to the first exercise machine control commands includes:
15. The method of section 14, wherein controlling the controlling the spring motors and the footbar motor according to the second exercise machine control commands includes:
16. The method of section 11, wherein:
17. The method of section 11, wherein:
18. The method of section 11, further comprising:
19. The method of section 12, further comprising:
20. The method of section 12, further comprising:
21. A method for controlling a local motorized Pilates reformer using a remotely-created video workout program, the method comprising:
22. The method of section 21 further comprising:
23. The method of section 22 wherein the sensor data comprises performance parameters of a user performing the workout program.
24. The method of section 22 wherein the sensor data comprises biological parameters including heart rate, brain waves, hydration levels, blood oxygen levels, oxygen uptake, breathing rate, and blood pressure.
25. The method of section 22 further comprising:
This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/216,313, filed Jun. 29, 2021, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/179,094, filed Apr. 23, 2021, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/288,439, filed Dec. 10, 2021, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all that it discloses.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63179094 | Apr 2021 | US | |
| 63216313 | Jun 2021 | US | |
| 63288439 | Dec 2021 | US |
