Exercise apparatus

Abstract

An exercising apparatus includes a movable unit on which a user straddles and a driving unit for driving the movable unit. The driving unit changes a state of the movable unit to provide the user with an exercising load. A storage part stores corresponding relationships between the states of the movable unit and the messages, and a state detector detects the state of the movable unit at approximately the same timing as the output timing determined by an output timing determination part. A message output part outputs messages corresponding to the user's postures repeatedly during a period of providing the user with an exercising load. The message output part extracts the message corresponding to the state of the movable unit detected by the state detector from the storage part and outputs the extracted message at the output timing determined by the output timing determination part.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention belongs to a technical field of an exercising apparatus for providing a user with an exercise load.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In recent years, great attentions have been paid for an exercising apparatus providing a user with an exercise load similar to a horse riding by rocking a sheet on which the user straddles. The exercising apparatus is widely used among users of various generations from children to elderly persons and spread to general households as well as rehabilitation purpose medical facilities.

This type of the exercising apparatus is, for example, disclosed in, e.g., Japanese Patent Laid-open Application No. 2007-260184 (Patent Document). The Patent Document discloses a technique for varying an inclination angle of an upper half body of a user who straddles on a seat by means of changing a position of the seat portion on which the user's hip portion is placed by expanding and contracting an airbag built in the seat. Further, in the Patent Document, there is described “Preferably, a storage part stores preset operation patterns of the airbag 4, and a period, a cycle, and a degree of expansion of the air bag 4 set by a user “A” through the control panel 35 and operation patterns thereof. With such configuration, a type of exercise and exercise strength can be selected by every user “A” at the time whenever the user uses the exercising apparatus, which assists to optimize and maintain the exercise effects.

In order for a user to perform an effective exercise by using such an exercising apparatus, the user needs to take an appropriate posture depending on a movement (e.g., an inclination state and a rocking speed) of the seat. However, user's actual posture is often displaced from the appropriate posture.

Thus, when the user's actual posture is displaced from the appropriate posture, an exercise load applied to the user's body will possibly be excessive or less. In this case, it becomes difficult for the user to perform effective and efficient exercise.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the above, the present invention provides an exercising apparatus capable of allowing a user to perform an effective and efficient exercise.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an exercising apparatus including: a movable unit on which a user straddles; a driving unit for driving the movable unit, the driving unit changing a state of the movable unit to provide the user with an exercising load; a message output part for outputting a message corresponding to the user's posture repeatedly during a period of providing the user with the exercise load; an output timing determination part for determining an output timing of the message by the message output part; a storage part stores corresponding relationships between the states of the movable unit and the messages; and a state detector for detecting the state of the movable unit at approximately the same timing as the output timing determined by the output timing determination part. The message output part extracts a message corresponding to the state of the movable unit detected by the state detector from the storage part and outputs the message at the output timing determined by the output timing determination unit.

According to such configuration, a state of the movable unit is detected at the output timing determined by the output timing determination part, and simultaneously a message corresponding to the state of the movable unit is outputted. Accordingly, the message can provide a user with an advice for his or her posture which should be taken, thereby guiding the user's posture to be appropriate.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the state of the movable unit includes an inclination state of the movable unit. The storage part stores the messages prepared depending on the inclination state of the movable unit. The message output part extracts one of the messages corresponding to the inclination state detected by the state detector from the storage part to output the message.

According to such configuration, the message corresponding to the inclination state of the movable unit is outputted, thereby enabling to guide the user's posture affected by the inclination state to be appropriate.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the state of the movable unit includes a rocking speed of the movable unit. The storage part stores the messages prepared depending on the rocking speed of the movable unit. The message output part extracts one of the messages corresponding to the rocking speed detected by the state detector from the storage part to output the message.

According to such configuration, the message corresponding to the rocking speed of the movable unit is outputted, thereby enabling to guide the user's posture affected by the rocking speed to be appropriate.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, a number of user's postures to be taken are determined with respect to each of the states of the movable unit. Further, a number of messages are prepared with respect to each of respective combinations of the user's postures to be taken and the states of the movable unit. The storage part stores the user's postures and the messages. The message output part randomly selects one message, among the messages, corresponding to the user's posture to be taken, which is determined with respect to the state of the movable unit detected by the state detector, and outputs the message.

According to such configuration, one message that is randomly selected among the messages corresponding to the user's postures to be taken is outputted as if an instructor guides, wherein the user's postures are determined with respect to the state of the movable unit detected by the state detector. Accordingly the exercising apparatus in accordance with the present invention allows users to hold such a feeling that the users, themselves, are guided by the instructor, thereby improving its attractiveness.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, the output timing determination part determines an output timing of a message at random.

According to such configuration, since the output timing determination unit determines the output timing of the message at random as if an instructor is guiding and outputs the message, the exercising apparatus in accordance with the present invention allows users to hold such a feeling that the users, themselves, are guided by the instructor. Thus, attractiveness of the exercising apparatus can be improved.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, the messages stored in the storage part are prepared depending on an elapsed time after starting to drive the movable unit by the driving unit. Here, the elapsed time from the starting point of the movable unit is equivalent to the output timing determined by the output timing determination part. The message output part extracts the messages in association with the elapsed time from the storage part, and outputs the extracted messages.

According to such configuration, the message output part outputs the message in association with the elapsed time from the starting point of the movable unit driven by the driving unit. Therefore, the exercising apparatus can output the message with considerations of user's fatigue that is caused as the time passes, or the like. Thus, the user is allowed to perform an effective exercise.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, the storage part stores: a plurality of user's postures to be taken determined with respect to each of the states of the movable unit; the messages prepared with respect to each of respective combinations of the user's postures to be taken and the states of the movable unit; and an output order of the messages with respect to each state of the movable unit. The message output part outputs the messages corresponding to the state of the movable unit detected by the state detector, according to the output order of the messages stored in the storage part.

According to the present invention, it is possible for a user to perform an effective and efficient exercise by outputting the messages in accordance with the pre-determined output order. Here, the output order may be, for example, determined based on the probability of occurrence of user's posture to be taken with regard to the state of the movable unit. Further, the output order may be determined as an order capable of guiding the user's posture to be appropriate effectively. According to the present invention, the exercising apparatus allows a user to perform an effective and efficient exercise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments, given in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an exercising apparatus in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the exercising apparatus;

FIG. 3 is a side view showing an internal structure of the exercising apparatus;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged side view of a rocking mechanism;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the rocking mechanism;

FIG. 6 is a rear view of the rocking mechanism;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are views for explaining movement of the seat;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an electric configuration of the exercising apparatus;

FIG. 9 is a view showing an example of contents stored in the message storage part;

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing a message output process in the control unit of the first embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a view showing the modification of the contents stored in the message storage part;

FIG. 12 is a view showing the modification of the contents stored in the message storage part;

FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing a message output process in the control unit of a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a view showing the modification of the contents stored in the message storage part;

FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing a message output process in the control section of a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a view showing the modification of the contents stored in the message storage part;

FIGS. 17A and 17B are a view showing the modification of the contents stored in the message storage part;

FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing a message output process in the control unit of a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 19A and 19B are a flow chart showing a message output process in the control unit of a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a view showing the modification of the contents stored in the message storage part;

FIG. 21 is a view showing the outside of the display unit; and

FIG. 22 is a view showing a deformation form of the exercising apparatus, and is a flow chart showing a warning process carried out before the user inputs a start command.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

First Embodiment

A first embodiment of the exercising apparatus in accordance with the present invention will be described in the following. FIG. 1 is an outside perspective view showing the first embodiment of the exercising apparatus in accordance with the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a side view of the exercising apparatus.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an exercising apparatus 1 includes a seat 2 having approximately a horseback or a saddle shape on which a user can straddle and sit down; a rocking mechanism 3 for rocking the seat 2; a lifting mechanism 4 for moving up and down the seat 2 between an upper position “U” and a lower position “D” by an electric motor and a rack pinion gear, to adjust a height of the seat 2; a pair of foot rests 6 suspended by a pair of hinge pins 5 which is provided on right and left sides of the seat 2, the foot rest being rotatable in the forward/backward direction and having a wheel part on which a user puts his or her toes at a lower end thereof; a handle 7 provided in the front portion of the seat 2 so as to be pivotally moved in the forward/backward direction; and a leg 8 supporting the seat 2 and the rocking unit 3.

FIG. 3 is a side view showing an internal structure of the exercising apparatus 1, FIG. 4 is an enlarged side view showing the rocking mechanism 3, FIG. 5 is the top view thereof, and FIG. 6 is a rear view thereof. In FIGS. 3, 4 and 6, two-dotted chain lines show the state of a rocking mechanism 3 when making a reciprocating movement.

A seat connection member 9 on which the seat 2 is mounted is pivotally supported on a pivotal support member 11 via pairs of link members 10 respectively provided on the left side and the right side of the exercising apparatus 1, so that the seat connection member 9 rocks forward and backward. The pivotal support member 11 is pivotally supported on a base member 12, so that the pivotal support member 11 rocks leftward and rightward. A driving unit 13 is disposed between the seat connection member 9 and the pivotal support member 11. The link members 10 include front link members 10a and rear link members 10b. An upper end of the front link member 10a is pivotally connected to an upper pin 9a attached to a front end of the seat connection member 9, and a lower end of the front link member 10a is pivotally connected to a lower pin 15a attached to a front end of a side wall 16 of the pivotal support member 11. An upper end of the rear link member 10b is pivotally connected to an upper pin 9b attached to a rear end of the seat connection member 9, and a lower end of the rear link member 10b is pivotally connected to a lower pin 15b attached to a rear end of the side wall 14 of the pivotal support member 11. The front and rear lower pins 15a, 15b constitute lateral axes 15, 15 extending in the left-right direction. The link members 10, 10 are pivotally supported by the front and rear lateral axes 15, 15 about the Y axis extending in the left-right direction. With this arrangement, the seat connection member 9 is able to make reciprocating rotational motions about the lateral axes 15, in forward and backward directions as indicated by the arrows “M” in FIG. 4.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, upright pin support walls 16, 16 are formed at opposite ends of the base member 12 in the forward and backward direction shown by the arrows “X”, respectively. Linking flanges 17, 17 extend downwards at opposite ends of the pivotal support member 11 in the forward-backward direction “X” and at positions opposing the pin support walls 16, 16, respectively, and the linking flanges 17, 17 are pivotally connected to the corresponding pin support walls 16, 16 by way of shafts 18 extending in the forward and backward direction. The shafts 18 are respectively disposed in front and rear end portions of the base member 12 at the center portion thereof to pivotally support the pivotal support member 11. With this arrangement, the seat connection member 9 is allowed to make reciprocating rotational motions in leftward and rightward directions as indicated by the arrows “N” in FIG. 6 about the shafts 18, 18.

The driving unit 13 includes a motor 19 of a stand alone type, and a first and a second driver 13a, 13b for converting a rotation torque of an output shaft 20 of the motor 19 into rectilinear reciprocating motions in the forward and backward direction, i.e., in the X-directions of the seat connection member 9, reciprocating rotational motions about the lateral axes 15, 15, and reciprocating rotational motions about the shafts 18 to drive the seat 2 by combining these three different motions. The motor 19 in this embodiment is installed upright on the base member 12, with the output shaft 20 extending vertically upward.

The first driver 13a is used to make rectilinear reciprocating motions in the X-direction, and reciprocating rotational motions about the lateral axes 15, 15. The second driver 13b is used to make reciprocating rotational motions about the shafts 18. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first driver 13a includes a first shaft 23 which is coupled to the output shaft 20 via a motor gear 21 and a first gear 22, an eccentric crank 24 (see FIG. 5) which is eccentrically connected to an end of the first shaft 17, and an arm link member 25 having an end thereof connected to the eccentric crank 24 and the other end thereof pivotally connected to a pin 10c attached to the front link member 10a. The opposite ends of the first shaft 23 are respectively pivotally connected to the seat connection member 9. The eccentric crank 24 makes eccentric rotation relative to the first shaft 23. With this arrangement, the front link member 10a reciprocates in the X-direction via the arm link member 25, whereby the seat connection member 9, i.e., the seat 2 connected to the link members 10, 10 rocks in the direction of the arrows “M” shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the second driver 13b includes a second shaft 28 connected to an association gear 26 of the first shaft 23 via a second gear 27, and an eccentric rod 29 having an end thereof eccentrically connected to an end of the second shaft 28 and the other end thereof pivotally connected to the base member 12. The opposite ends of the second shaft 28 are respectively pivotally connected to the seat connection member 9. The eccentric rod 29 is disposed on the left or right side of the seat connection member 9. In FIGS. 5 and 6, the eccentric rod 29 is disposed on the right side of the seat connection member 9. An upper end 29a of the eccentric rod 29 is eccentrically connected to the end of the second shaft 28 by a pin 60 shown in FIG. 6. A lower end 29b of the eccentric rod 29 is pivotally connected to a substantially L-shaped bracket 30 secured to the base member 12 by a shaft pin. 31. With this arrangement, the upper end 29a of the eccentric rod 29 makes eccentric rotation as the second shaft 28 is rotated, whereby the seat connection member 9, i.e., the seat 2 is enabled to make reciprocating rotational motions about the shafts 18 in the direction of the arrows “N” shown in FIG. 6.

In the above construction, when the output shaft 20 extending upward from the motor 19 is rotated, the first shaft 23 is rotated through the first gear 22 in mesh with the motor gear 21. Simultaneously, the second shaft 28 is rotated through the second gear 27 in mesh with the association gear 26 of the first shaft 23. In association with the rotation of the first shaft 23, the eccentric crank connected to the one end of the first shaft 23 makes eccentric rotation, with the result that the front link member 10a swings in the X-directions about the front lateral axis 15 via the arm link member 25. At this time, the rear link member 10b swings about the rear lateral axis in cooperation with the pivotal rotation of the front link member 10a. Thereby, the seat connection member 9, i.e., the seat 2 rocks while making reciprocating movements in the X-directions. On the other hand, the upper end 29a of the eccentric rod 29 makes eccentric rotation as the second shaft 28 is rotated, whereby the seat connection member 9, i.e., the seat 2 makes reciprocating rotational motions about the shafts 18.

In this way, the seat 2 makes rocking motions in forward and backward directions, i.e., in X-directions, leftward and rightward directions, i.e., in Y-directions, upward and downward directions, i.e., in Z-directions, as well as swing motions in θX-directions, θY-directions, and θZ-directions (see FIGS. 7A and 7B), while the user straddles the seat 2, thereby allowing the user to exercise balance training or promote physical fitness. Further, the apparatus 1 provides the three different motions with use of the single motor 19. This arrangement contributes to reduction of the number of motors to be used, provides easy control, and provides an inexpensive and compact exercising apparatus. Further, since the output shaft 20 of the motor extends upward in one direction, the motor 19 is mountable in upright position. As compared with an arrangement that a motor is provided with two output shafts extending in two different directions and is mounted in transverse position, this arrangement enables to reduce the installation space for the entirety of the rocking mechanism including the motor 19, which contributes to miniaturization of the rocking mechanism 3. Thereby, the apparatus 1 can accurately reproduce an intended motion simulating horseback riding, with the miniaturized rocking mechanism 3 being housed in the seat 2.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of the exercising apparatus 1. The same configurations as those shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 are identified by the same reference numerals, and the explanation is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 8, the exercising apparatus 1 has a rocking mechanism 3, a lifting mechanism 4, a display part 32, a sound output part 33, an input operation part 34, sensor part 35, a storage part 36, and a control unit 37, wherein each of the above parts is operated by power supply, for example, from a commercial power source.

The display part 32 has an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), which displays a video, message to a user (e.g., exercise levels, residual time and consumed calorie) and so on. Note that the display part 32 may have a plasma display device instead of an LCD. Further, the display part 32 may be provided with an LED (Light Emitting Diode) serving as light emitting body, a seven-segment LED, or the like.

Besides, as shown in FIG. 21, the display part 32 may be provided with light-emitting lamps 101 to 105 respectively indicating ON/OFF states of voice, sound effect, LED, an LCD, and a vibration function, and light-emitting lamps 106, 107 respectively indicating ON/OFF states of a plurality of modes (here, an advanced mode and a beginner mode) having various difficulties and loads in strength and speed of rocking the seat 2.

The sound output part 33, for example, is composed of a loudspeaker converting electric signal (sound signal) into audible sound, which outputs sounds such as music, message to a user.

The input operation part 34 is configured to include: a power button for turning on and off the main power supply of the exercising apparatus 1; a switch for selecting one of the plurality of modes having various difficulties and loads in strength and speed of rocking the seat 2; a switch for regulating a height and an angle of the seat 2; and so on, which are not shown in the drawings. Further, the input operation part 34 may be configured to affix a touch panel to the LCD panel, wherein the touch panel is configured such that striped pressure-sensitive elements made of transparent material are longitudinally and laterally arranged at a predetermined pitch respectively and are covered with a transparent cover.

The sensor part 35 serves for detecting movement of the exercising apparatus 1 and, for instance, is composed of an acceleration sensor with a piezo-electric element. Note that the sensor part 35 serves for detecting acceleration of the rocking motion in the forward and backward direction (the left and right direction in FIG. 2).

The storage part 36, for example, is composed of a nonvolatile memory or HDD, which memorizes various kinds of data. The storage part 36 may not only be accommodated in the exercising apparatus 1, but also be attached to the body of the exercising apparatus 1 detachably via connecting terminal, such as USB connector.

The control unit 37 has a microcomputer provided with: CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown); ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores a program regulating operations of the CPU; and RAM (Random Access Memory) having function for storing data temporarily or serving as a workspace. Thus the control unit 37 can manage whole control of the exercising apparatus 1.

In the exercising apparatus 1 with the above configurations, this embodiment is different from a conventional exercising apparatus in that the embodiment outputs the message in association with user's posture which should be taken in a real-time manner when the exercising apparatus 1 is utilized (during a play).

In order to realize this function, in this embodiment, the storage part 36 includes a message storage part 36a that stores pre-determined messages to be outputted from the sound output part 33. Further, the control unit 37 includes a message output timing determination part 38, a time counting part 39, a rocking speed detector 40, an inclination state detector 41, an output message determination part 42, and an output message control part 43.

The message storage part 36a stores a plurality of messages. The messages are, mainly, advice and instruction for guiding the user's posture to be appropriate. For instance, in the case where the inclination state of the seat 2 is a “forward inclination” and the rocking speed of the seat 2 has a certain level (e.g., level “1”), messages corresponding to such advices as “Stretch your upper half body upward straightly” and “Move your waist according to the movement so as not to swing your head” are stored in the message storage part 36a. Such messages are prepared for every combination of the inclination state and the rocking speed of the seat 2.

FIG. 9 exemplarily shows messages prepared in the case where the inclination state of the seat 2 is a “forward inclination” and the rocking speed of the seat 2 has a certain level (e.g., level “1”). However, the message storage part 36a may store messages prepared in the case where the rocking speed of the seat 2 has another level other than the above-mentioned level and the inclination state of the seat 2 is the “forward inclination”, or in the case where the inclination state of the seat 2 is another inclination state other than the above-mentioned “forward inclination” (e.g., “rearward inclination”) and the rocking speed of the seat 2 has the certain level.

The message output timing determination part 38 determines the timing that carries out an operation of outputting the message stored in the message storage part 36a. In the embodiment, the message output timing determination part 38 determines a time interval from the last message output timing to next message output timing at random, as if an instructor guides. Further, the message output timing determination part 38 determines the next message output timing by using the determined time interval.

The time counting part 39 counts an elapsed time from the last message output timing, in order to check whether or not the present time reaches the message output timing determined by the message output timing determination part 38.

The rocking speed detector 40 detects rocking speed of the seat 2. The inclination state detector 41 detects an inclination state of the seat 2. In the exercising apparatus 1 of the embodiment, the inclination state and the rocking speed of the seat 2 at each point of time are programmed by a pre-designed program. The rocking speed detector 40 and the inclination state detector 41 extract the rocking speed and the inclination state of the seat 2 at approximately the same timing as the message output timing determined by the message output timing determination part from the above-mentioned program. Alternatively, the rocking speed detector 40 and the inclination state detector 41 may detect the rocking speed and the inclination state of the seat 2 by using a sensor.

The output message determination part 42 selects one message among a plurality of messages at random as if an instructor guides, wherein the plurality of messages are prepared with regard to the combination of the rocking speed detected by the rocking speed detector 40 and the inclination state detected by the inclination state detector 41. Thus, the output message determination part 42 determines the selected message as a target message to be outputted.

When the time counted by the time counting part 39 reaches to the message output timing determined by the message output timing determination part 38, the message output control part 43 causes the sound output part 33 to output the message determined by the output message determination part 42.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing message output process by the control unit 37. Here, the explanation will be given assuming that either of the advanced mode and the beginner mode has already been selected.

As shown in FIG. 10, the message output timing determination part 38 determines a time interval from the last message output timing to the next message output timing at random, as if an instructor guides (Step S1).

Next, the control unit 37 checks whether or not the time interval, determined by the above-mentioned message output timing determination part 38, is less than or equal to a residual time from the present time to the time of completing the play (Step S2). If the time interval exceeds the residual time (“NO” in Step S2), the process proceeds to Step S9.

On the other hand, when the control unit 37 checks that the time interval determined by the message output timing determination part 38 is less than or equal to the residual time in step S2 (“YES” in Step S2), the rocking speed detector 40 detects the rocking speed of the seat 2 at the present time (Step S3), and the inclination state detector 41 detects the inclination state of the seat 2 at the present time (Step S4). Strictly speaking, the rocking speed and the inclination state of the seat 2 detected in Steps S3 and S4 are not identical to those at the message output timing determined by the message output timing determination part 38. However, since the process as shown in the flow chart of FIG. 10 is carried out within a very short cycle, the rocking speed and the inclination state of the seat 2 can be regarded as being same to those at the message output timing determined by the message output timing determination unit 38 (this applies in other embodiments).

Next, the output message determination part 42 extracts, from the message storage part 36a, the messages prepared with regard to the combination of the rocking speed detected by the rocking speed detector 40 in Step S3 and the inclination state detected by the inclination state detector 41 in Step S4 (Step S5). Among the extracted messages, one message is selected as if an instructor guides, and the message is determined as a target message to be outputted (Step S6).

The message output control part 43 checks whether or not the time counted by the time counting part 39 reaches to the message output timing specified by the time interval, which is determined by the message output timing determination part 38 in Step S1 (Step S7). When checking that the time has reached to the message output timing, the message output control part 43 causes the sound output part to output the message determined by the output message determination part 42 (Step S8). On the other hand, in Step S7, when the message output control part 43 checks that the time has not reached to the message output timing, the process returns to Step S3 and Steps S3 to S6 are carried out.

Then, the control unit 37 checks whether or not the time has reached to the timing of completing the play (Step S9). When checking that the time has not reached to the timing of completing the play (“NO” in Step S9), the process returns to Step S1. On the other hand, when checking that the time has reached to the timing (“YES” in Step S9), the control unit 37 turns off the exercising apparatus 1 (Step S10) to complete a series of process.

As described above, the present embodiment is provided with the function capable of outputting the messages with regard to advices for guiding user's postures to be appropriate in a real time manner, so that the user's posture can be guided to be appropriate.

Further, since the present embodiment determines the message and the output timing thereof at random as if an instructor guides, the exercising apparatus 1 allows users to hold such a feeling that an instructor guides themselves, thereby improving its attractiveness.

Second Embodiment

The second embodiment is identical to the first embodiment in that these embodiments output a message pre-associated with a combination of the rocking speed detected by the rocking speed detector 40 and the inclination state detected by the inclination state detector 41. However, the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the second embodiment pre-determines an output order of outputting each message such that a user can perform more effective exercises and outputs a message according to the output order, whereas the first embodiment randomly selects one message from a plurality of messages and outputs the message as if an instructor guides.

Note that only the difference from the first embodiment will be explained and an explanation about the other configurations same as those of the first embodiment will be omitted. Since the exercising apparatus in accordance with the present embodiment has the same structure as that shown in FIG. 1, the explanation will be made by utilizing FIG. 1. FIGS. 11 and 12 show exemplary messages prepared in the case where the inclination state of the seat 2 is a “forward inclination” and the rocking speeds of the seat 2 have certain levels of “1” to “3”.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, in the present embodiment, a plurality of messages are prepared for each of combinations of the inclination state of the seat 2 and the rocking speeds of the seat 2, respectively. Furthermore, in this embodiment, each message has an output order among the messages corresponding to the combination, and the message storage part 36a stores the output order of each message.

For instance, as shown in FIG. 11, when seven messages are prepared in the case where the inclination state of the seat 2 is a “forward inclination” and the rocking speed of the seat 2 has a certain level (e.g., level “1”), the output orders from “1” to “7” are set to each of the messages, respectively.

When the exercising apparatus 1 is provided with two modes having different difficulties and loads in strength and speed of the rocking motion, FIGS. 11 and 12 show exemplary messages for the modes, respectively. Namely, FIG. 11 shows the messages for the beginner mode of which difficulties and loads are relatively low. FIG. 12 shows the message for the advanced mode of which difficulties and loads are relatively high.

The output message determination part 42 selects a message having the output order in which the message should be outputted at this time and determines the message as a target message to be outputted, wherein the message is selected among the plurality of messages corresponding to the combination of the rocking speed detected by the rocking speed detector 40 and the inclination state detected by the inclination state detector 41.

For instance, in the advanced mode shown in FIG. 12, assume that the inclination state of the seat 2 detected by the inclination state detector 41 is a “forward inclination” and the rocking speed of the seat 2 detected by the rocking speed detector 40 has a certain level (e.g., level “1”). When the order of “1” has been selected at the previous time so that the message of “tilt your upper half body backwardly a little” has been outputted, the output message determination part 42 selects the order of “2” at this time (next time). Accordingly, the message of “move your waist according to the motion so as not to swing your head” is determined as a target message to be outputted.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing message output process by the control unit 37. Here, the following explanation will be given on the assumption that either of the advanced mode and the beginner mode has been already chosen.

As shown in FIG. 13, the message output timing determination part 38 determines a time interval from the last message output timing to the next message output timing at random (Step S11). Next, the control unit 37 checks whether or not the time interval, determined by the above-mentioned message output timing determination part 38, is less than or equal to a residual time from the present time to the time of completing the play (Step S111). When the time interval exceeds the residual time (“NO” in Step S111), the process proceeds to Step S17.

On the other hand, when the control unit 37 checks that the time interval determined by the message output timing determination part 38 is less than or equal to the residual time in step S111 (“YES” in Step S111), the rocking speed detector 40 detects the rocking speed of the seat 2 at the present time (Step S12), and the inclination state detector 41 detects the inclination state of the seat 2 at the present time (Step S13).

The output message determination part 42 selects a message having the output order in which the message should be outputted at this time, according to the order data stored in the message storage part 36a, and determines the message as a target message to be outputted, wherein the message is selected from a plurality of messages corresponding to the combination of the rocking speed detected by the rocking speed detector 40 in Step S12 and the inclination state detected by the inclination state detector 41 in Step S13 (Step S14).

The message output control unit 43 checks whether or not the time counted by the time counting part 39 reaches to the message output timing specified by the time interval, which is determined by the message output timing determination part 38 in Step S11 (Step S15). When checking that the time has reached to the message output timing (“YES” in Step S15), the message output control part 43 causes the sound output part 33 to output the message determined by the output message determination part 42 (Step S16). On the other hand, in Step S15, when the message output control part 43 checks that the time has not reached to the message output timing, the process returns to Step S12 and Steps S12 to Step S14 are carried out.

Then, the control unit 37 checks whether or not the time has reached to the timing of completing the play (Step S17). When checking that the time has not reached to the play completing timing yet (“NO” in Step S17), the process returns to Step S11. When checking that the time has reached to the timing of completing the play (“YES” in Step S17), the control unit 37 turns off a power supply of the exercising apparatus 1 (Step S18), and a series of process is completed.

As described above, the present embodiment is provided with the function capable of outputting the messages with regard to advices for guiding a user's posture to be appropriate in a real time manner, so that the user's posture can be guided to be appropriate.

Further, since the present embodiment determines the output timing of the message at random as if an instructor guides, the exercising apparatus 1 allows users to hold such a feeling that an instructor guides themselves, thereby improving its attractiveness.

Furthermore, the output order of the messages is pre-determined such that a user is provided with an effective exercise, and the messages are outputted according to the order. Thus, the user can perform more effective exercise than the first embodiment.

Generally, in the exercising apparatus 1, an amount of displacement from the appropriate posture increases as it comes closer to user's head among portions of user's body. Accordingly, providing the user with an advice or instruction with regard to the posture of user's head or portion close to user's head is considered to be more effective for correcting user's posture, compared with providing the user with an advice or instruction with regard to the posture of user's portion far from user's head (a portion close to user's waist).

In consideration of this point, by pre-setting an order in which messages should be outputted and outputting the messages according to the order, a user is allowed to perform an effective and efficient exercise.

Third Embodiment

The third embodiment is identical to the first and second embodiments in that these embodiments output a message corresponding to the combination of the rocking speed detected by the rocking speed detector 40 and the inclination state detected by the inclination state detector 41. However, the third embodiment is different from the first and second embodiments in that a time schedule for outputting messages is pre-determined and the messages are outputted according to the time schedule.

Note that only the difference from the first and second embodiments will be explained and an explanation about the other configurations same as those of the first and second embodiments will be omitted. Since an exercising apparatus in accordance with the present embodiment also has the same structure as that shown in FIG. 1, the explanation will be made by utilizing FIG. 1.

As shown in FIG. 14, in the present embodiment, a plurality of messages are prepared for each of combinations of the inclination state of the seat 2, the rocking speed of the seat 2, and an elapsed time from a start point of a play. The message storage part 36a stores the messages, which are prepared for each of the combinations of the inclination state of the seat 2, the rocking speed of the seat 2, and the elapsed time from a start point of a play.

For instance, as indicated by a mark “A” in FIG. 14, seven messages are prepared in the case where an elapsed time from a start point of a play is “60 to 90 seconds”, in addition to the case where the inclination state of the seat 2 is a “forward inclination” and the rocking speed of the seat 2 has a certain level (e.g., level “1”).

The output message determination part 42 extracts a plurality of messages corresponding to the combination of the rocking speed detected by the rocking speed detector 40, the inclination state detected by the inclination state detector 41, and the elapsed time from the start point of the play. Further, the output message determination part 42 randomly selects one message among the plurality of extracted messages as if an instructor guides, and determines the selected message as a target message to be outputted.

For instance, in the case where the inclination state of the seat 2 is a “forward inclination”, the rocking speed of the seat 2 has a level “1”, and an elapsed time from a start point of a play is “60 to 90 seconds”, the output message determination part 42 extracts the plurality of messages indicated by a mark “A”. Next, the output message determination part 42 randomly selects one message among the plurality of messages as if an instructor guides. In this case, the message is, for example, “look forward straightly with your eyes” as indicated by a mark “B”. Finally, the output message determination part 42 determines the message as a target message to be outputted.

Further, in the same inclination state and rocking speed, when the elapsed time from the start point of the play becomes “more than 90 seconds”, one message is selected at random among a plurality of messages corresponding to the combination as if an instructor guides, and the message is outputted.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing message output process by the control unit 37.

As shown in FIG. 15, the message output timing determination part 38 determines a time interval from the last message output timing to the next one at random (Step S21). Next, the control unit 37 checks whether or not the time interval determined by the message output timing determination part 38 is less than or equal to a residual time from the present time to the time of completing the play (Step S211). When the time interval exceeds the remaining time (“NO” in Step S211), the process proceeds to Step S28.

On the other hand, when the control unit 37 checks that the time interval determined by the message output timing determination part 38 is less than or equal to the residual time in step S211 (“YES” in Step S211), the rocking speed detector 40 detects the rocking speed of the seat 2 at the present time (Step S22), and the inclination state detector 41 detects the inclination state of the seat 2 at the present time (Step S23). Further, the output message determination part 42 detects the elapsed time from a start point of the play (Step S24).

The output message determination part 42 extracts a plurality of messages corresponding to a combination of the rocking speed detected by the rocking speed detector 40, the inclination state detected by the inclination state detector 41, and the time elapsed from the start point of the play. Then, the output message determination part 42 randomly selects one message among the extracted messages and determines the message as a target message to be outputted (Step S25).

Subsequently, the message output control part 43 checks whether or not a time counted by the time count part 39 reaches to a message output timing specified by the time interval determined by the message output timing determination part 38 (Step S26). When checking that the time has reached the message output timing (“YES” in Step S26), the message output control section 43 causes the sound output part 33 to output the message determined by the output message determination part 42 (Step S27). On the other hand, in Step S26, when the message output control section 43 checks that the time has not reached to the message output timing, the process returns to Step S22, and Steps S22 to Step S24 are carried out.

Next, the control unit 37 checks whether or not the time has reached to the timing of completing the play (Step S28). When checking that the time has not reached to the message output timing (“NO” in Step S28), the process returns to Step 21. On the other hand, when checking that the time has reached the timing of completing the play (“YES” in Step S28), the control part 37 turns off the power supply of the exercise apparatus 1 (Step S29), and a series of process is completed.

As described above, the present embodiment is provided with the function capable of outputting the messages with regard to advices for guiding a user's posture to be appropriate in a real time manner, so that the user's posture can be guided to be appropriate.

By outputting messages according to the time schedule, this embodiment can output the message depending on user's fatigue or the like, thereby enabling the user to perform more effective exercises than that of the first embodiment.

Here, as an aspect of outputting the messages according to the time schedule, the elapsed time from the start point of the play is divided into a plurality of time ranges, and a plurality of messages are prepared for each of the time ranges. One message is selected at random among the plurality of messages corresponding to the time range including the present time, and the message is outputted. However, the present invention is not limited to the above. For instance, as shown in FIG. 16, messages may be outputted at a certain time interval (e.g., at every 5 seconds) which starts from the starting point of the play and messages may be pre-determined depending on the inclination state and the rocking speed of the seat 2 at their output timings (elapsed time), so that the messages respectively corresponding to the message output timings are outputted.

Fourth Embodiment

In this embodiment, a plurality of inappropriate postures occurring in a combination of an inclination state and a rocking speed of the seat 2 (hereinafter referred to as “inappropriate posture”) are previously set. Besides, a message that should be outputted for each of the inappropriate postures is pre-assumed. For the inappropriate postures, occurrence ranks are sequentially assigned thereto from one having a higher probability of occurrence, and messages therefor are outputted according to the ranks.

Note that only the difference from the above-mentioned embodiments will be explained and an explanation about the other configurations same as those of the aforementioned embodiments will be omitted. Since an exercising apparatus in accordance with the present embodiment also has the same structure as that shown in FIG. 1, the explanation will be made by using FIG. 1.

As shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, in this embodiment, a plurality of messages are prepared for each of combinations of the inclination state of the seat 2 and the rocking speed of seat 2. Here, in this embodiment, a plurality of inappropriate postures occurring in a combination of an inclination state and a rocking speed of the seat 2 are previously set, and a message that should be outputted for each of the inappropriate postures is prepared one by one. Furthermore, occurrence ranks are previously assigned to the inappropriate postures from one having a higher probability of occurrence.

As indicated by a mark “C” in FIG. 17A, seven inappropriate postures of “upper half body inclines forward”, “head swings”, “face turns downward”, “one relies on handle”, “shoulders are stiffened”, “foot rest swings”, and “foot rest rises in an opposite direction” are previously set, wherein the postures are possible to occur in the case where the inclination state of the seat 2 is a “forward inclination” and the rocking speed of the seat 2 has a level “1”. At the same time, such messages as “stretch your upper half body straightly”, “move your waist according to the motion so as not to swing your head”, “look forward straightly with your eyes”, “keep your balance by using your waist without relying on the handle”, “relieve your shoulder”, “keep raising the foot rest up forwardly a little”, and “raise the foot rest up forwardly” are prepared for the corresponding inappropriate postures one by one.

Furthermore, the seven inappropriate postures, i.e., “upper half body inclines forward”, “face turns downward”, “shoulders are stiffened”, “head swings”, “one relies on handle”, “foot rest swings”, and “foot rest rises in an opposite direction”, occur in the order of increasing its probability, so that the occurrence ranks are determined in this order. Note that, with regard to the levels of “1” to “3” of the rocking speed shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, level “1” denotes the minimum rocking speed, and level “3” denotes the maximum rocking speed.

The output message determination part 42 determines the occurrence ranks of the inappropriate postures as the output order of the messages prepared for the respective inappropriate postures, wherein the messages correspond to the combination of the rocking speed detected by the rocking speed detector 40 and the inclination state detected by the inclination state detector 41.

Namely, the output message determination part 42 determines the output order of the messages prepared for the inappropriate postures, i.e., “stretch your upper half body straightly”, “look straight forwardly with your eyes”, “relieve your shoulders”, “move your waist according to the motion so as not to swing your head”, “keep your balance with your waist without relying on the handle”, “keep raising the foot rest up forwardly a little”, and “raise the foot rest up forwardly” in this order, in the case where the inclination state of the seat 2 is a “forwardly inclination” and the rocking speed of the seat 2 has the level “1”.

The output message determination part 42 selects a message to be outputted according to this output order of the message. For instance, the case is supposed that the inclination state of the seat 2 is a “forwardly inclination” and the rocking speed of the seat 2 has the level “1”. When outputting the third message among the plurality of messages indicated by a mark “C”, the output message determination part 42 selects the message of “relieve your shoulders” corresponding to the inappropriate posture of “shoulders are stiffened” having the third probability of occurrence.

FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing message output process controlled by the control unit 37.

As shown in FIG. 18, the message output timing determination part 38 determines a time interval from the last message output timing to the next message output timing at random (Step S31). Next, the control section 37 checks whether or not the time interval, determined by the message output timing determination part 38, is less than or equal to a residual time from the present time to the time of completing a play (Step S311). When the time interval exceeds the residual time (“NO” in Step S311), the process proceeds to Step S37.

On the other hand, when the control unit 37 checks that the time interval determined by the message output timing determination part 38 is less than or equal to the residual time in step S211 (“YES” in Step S211), the rocking speed detector 40 detects the rocking speed of the seat 2 at the present time (Step S32), and the inclination state detector 41 detects the inclination state of the seat 2 at the present time (Step S33).

The output message determination part 42 determines the message to be outputted based upon the combination of the rocking speed detected by the rocking speed detector 40 in Step S32, the inclination state detected by the inclination state detector 41 in Step S33, and the output order of the message (Step S34).

The message output control unit 43 checks whether or not the time counted by the time counting part 39 reaches to the message output timing specified by the time interval, which is determined by the message output timing determination part 38 (Step S35). When checking that the time has reached to the message output timing (“YES” in Step S35), the message output control part 43 causes the sound output part 33 to output the message determined by the output message determination part 42 (Step S36). On the other hand, in Step S35, when the message output control part 43 checks that the time has not reached to the message output timing, the process returns to Step S32 and Steps S32 to S34 are carried out.

Then, the control unit 37 checks whether or not the time has reached to the timing of completing the play (Step S37). When checking that the time has not reached to the play completing timing yet (“NO” in Step S37), the process returns to Step S31. On the other hand, when checking that the time has reached the timing of completing the play (“YES” in Step S37), the control unit 37 turns off a power supply of the exercising apparatus 1 (Step S38), and a series of process is completed.

As described above, the present embodiment is provided with the function capable of outputting the messages with regard to advices for guiding a user's posture to be appropriate in a real time manner, so that the user's posture can be guided to be appropriate.

Further, since the present embodiment determines the output timing of the message at random as if an instructor guides, the exercising apparatus 1 allows users to hold such a feeling that an instructor guides themselves, thereby improving its attractiveness.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the inappropriate postures occurring in the combination of the inclination state and the rocking speed of the seat 2 are previously set. Besides, the messages for the respective inappropriate postures are prepared, the output order thereof is determined in accordance with the degree of the probability of occurrence, and the messages are outputted in accordance with the output order. Accordingly, the user can take more appropriate postures than in the first embodiment, thereby enabling the user to perform more effective exercises.

Fifth Embodiment

The fifth embodiment is identical to the fourth embodiment in that these embodiments previously set a plurality of inappropriate postures occurring in a combination of an inclination state and a rocking speed of the seat 2 and pre-determine a message that should be outputted for each of the inappropriate postures. However, the fifth embodiment is different from the fourth embodiment in that a message corresponding to the inappropriate posture having a higher probability of occurrence is outputted more frequently than a message corresponding to the inappropriate posture having a lower probability of occurrence while the messages corresponding to the inappropriate postures are outputted in the order of increasing the probability of occurrence in the forth embodiment.

Note that only the difference from the above-mentioned embodiments will be explained and an explanation about the other configurations same as those of the aforementioned embodiments will be omitted. Since an exercising apparatus in accordance with the present embodiment also has the same structure as that shown in FIG. 1, the explanation will be made by using FIG. 1.

The message storage part 36a of this embodiment stores a table similar to that of the fourth embodiment (e.g., the table as shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B).

Based on the rocking speed and the inclination state detected by the rocking speed detector 40 and the inclination state detector 41, the output message determination part 42 recognizes the probability of occurrence of the inappropriate postures associated with the combination of the rocking speed and the inclination state. Subsequently, the output message determination part 42 determines an output sequence of the massages prepared for the respective inappropriate postures, according to a predetermined rule in which a message corresponding to the inappropriate posture having a higher probability of occurrence is outputted more frequently than a message corresponding to the inappropriate posture having a lower probability of occurrence.

As indicated by a mark “C” in FIG. 17A, for instance, seven inappropriate postures of “upper half body inclines forward”, “face turns downward”, “shoulders are stiffened”, “head swings”, “one relies on handle”, “foot rest swings”, and “foot rest rises in an opposite direction” are previously set, wherein the postures are possible to occur in the case where the inclination state of the seat 2 is a “forward inclination” and the rocking speed of the seat 2 has a level “1”. When the occurrence ranks “1” to “7” are set in the above order, the output sequence of the messages is determined such that a message corresponding to the inappropriate posture having a higher probability of occurrence is outputted more frequently than a message corresponding to the inappropriate posture having a lower probability of occurrence. Specifically, for example, the output sequence of the messages is as follows: the occurrence rank “1”→the occurrence rank “2”→the occurrence rank “1”→the occurrence rank “3”→the occurrence rank “1”→the occurrence rank “2”→the occurrence rank “1”→the occurrence rank “4”. . . .

FIGS. 19A and 19B are a flow chart showing message output process controlled by the control unit 37.

As shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, the message output timing determination part 38 determines a time interval from the last message output timing to the next message output timing at random (Step S41). Next, the control unit 37 checks whether or not the time interval, determined by the message output timing determination part 38, is less than or equal to a residual time from the present time to the time of completing a play (Step S411). When the time interval exceeds the residual time (“NO” in Step S411), the process proceeds to Step S48.

On the other hand, when the control unit 37 checks that the time interval determined by the message output timing determination part 38 is less than or equal to the residual time in step S211 (“YES” in Step S211), the rocking speed detector 40 detects the rocking speed of the seat 2 at the present time (Step S42), and the inclination state detector 41 detects the inclination state of the seat 2 at the present time (Step S43).

The output message determination part 42 recognizes messages corresponding to the combination of the rocking speed detected by the rocking speed detector 40 in Step S32 and the inclination state detected by the inclination state detector 41 in Step S43 (Step S44), and determines the output sequence of the massages prepared for the inappropriate postures, according to the predetermined rule in which a message corresponding to the inappropriate posture having a higher probability of occurrence is outputted more frequently than a message corresponding to the inappropriate posture having a lower probability of occurrence (Step S45).

The message output control unit 43 checks whether or not the time counted by the time counting part 39 reaches to the message output timing specified by the time interval, which is determined by the message output timing determination part 38 in Step S41 (Step S46). When checking that the time has reached to the message output timing (“YES” in Step S46), the message output control part 43 causes the sound output part 33 to output the message determined by the output message determination part 42 (Step S47). On the other hand, in Step S46, when the message output control part 43 checks that the time has not reached to the message output timing, the process returns to Step S42 and Steps S42 to Step S45 are carried out.

The control unit 37 checks whether the time has reached the timing of completing the play (Step S48). When the control section 37 checks that the time has not reached to the timing of completing the play, the message output timing determination part 38 randomly determines the time interval from the last message output timing to the next message output timing as if an instructor guides. The rocking speed detector 40 and the inclination state detector 41 detect the rocking speed and the inclination state of the seat 2 at the present time, respectively (Steps S50, S51).

In the case where both the rocking speed and the inclination state have no change from the last detection values (“NO” in Step S52), the process returns to Step S46. On the other hand, in the case where at least one of the rocking speed and the inclination state has any change from the last detection value (“YES” in Step S52), the process returns to Step S44.

Meanwhile, when checking that the time has reached to the timing of completing the play in Step S48 (“YES” in Step S48), the control unit 37 turns off the power supply of the exercising apparatus 1 (Step S53) and a series of process is completed.

As described above, the present embodiment is also provided with the function capable of outputting the messages with regard to advices for guiding a user's posture to be appropriate in a real time manner, so that the user's posture can be guided to be appropriate.

Further, since the present embodiment determines the output timing of the message at random as if an instructor guides, the exercising apparatus 1 allows users to hold such a feeling that an instructor guides themselves, thereby improving its attractiveness.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, inappropriate postures, which are possible to occur in the combination of the inclination state and the rocking speed of the seat 2, are previously set and the messages for the respective inappropriate postures are prepared. Besides, the output sequence of the massages are determined such that a message corresponding to the inappropriate posture having a higher probability of occurrence is outputted more frequently than a message corresponding to the inappropriate posture having a lower probability of occurrence, and the messages are outputted in this sequence. As a result, the user can take a posture more appropriate than in the first embodiment, and further the user can perform effective exercises.

The following modifications can be made instead of the above-mentioned embodiments, or in addition to the above-mentioned embodiments.

[1] Although each of the embodiments outputs messages by using audible sound, without being limited to this, it is possible to output the messages visually by using a display or the like.

[2] It is more preferable that the exercising apparatus 1 of each above-mentioned embodiment is provided with the following functions:

(1) a function of pre-storing a plurality of messages depending upon a time of one day and outputting the message corresponding to the time when the time comes.

As shown in FIG. 20, a plurality of messages for urging a user to use the exercising apparatus 1 are stored in the message storage part 36a (refer to FIG. 8). Specifically, hours of one day are divided into a plurality of time zones, and then the message storage part 36a stores the messages depending upon the time zones. For instance, the message storage part 36a stores a message depending on the time zone of “6:00 to 8:00”, such as “Good morning!!, you are recommended to ride horizontally at a speed level of “1” to “3” for waking up”, wherein the message is stored in association with the time zone.

For instance, when the time becomes 6:00, the message output control part 43 causes the sound output part 33 to output the message of “Good morning!!, you are recommended to ride horizontally at a speed level of “1” to “3” for waking up”.

Adding such a function to the exercising apparatus 1 can stimulate the user to use it.

(2) a function of alerting a user when the same user utilizes the exercising apparatus 1 excessively.

FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing warning process that is carried out before a user inputs a start command of a play.

As shown in FIG. 22, firstly, the control unit 37 specifies a user who is going to utilize the exercising apparatus 1 (Step S61). For example, the exercising apparatus 1 is provided with a function of registering the user and the user is specified based upon the operating signals corresponding to the registered user via a button.

Next, the control unit 37 checks whether or not the same user successively uses the exercising apparatus 1 (Step S62). If not so (“NO” in Step S62), the control unit 37 waits for the user to input the start command of the play. On the other hand, when checking that the same user is going to use the exercising apparatus 1 successively (“YES” in Step S62), the control section 37 calculates the use time of the user who is going to use the exercising apparatus 1 (Step S63) and checks whether or not the using of the user within a predetermined duration exceeds a predetermined use limit time (e.g., whether or not the user will use the exercising apparatus 1 more than 30 minutes within 1 hour) (Step S64).

If not so (“NO” in Step S64), the control unit 37 waits for the user to input the start command of the play. On the other hand, when checking that the user will use the exercising apparatus 1 more than the predetermined use limit time within the predetermined duration (e.g., the user will use the exercising apparatus 1 more than 30 minutes within 1 hour) (“YES” in Step S64), the control unit 37 causes the sound output part 33 to output the message such as “It's not so good for your health to exercise for a long time”, and waits for the user to input the start command of the play.

The addition of such function can prevent a user from excessively exercising by using the exercising apparatus 1.

Although it is described that the rocking speed and inclination state of the seat 2 are detected at the present time, the present invention is not limited thereto. The present invention may be configured to detect the rocking speed and inclination state of the seat 2 at the message output timing by a program.

Furthermore, although it is described in the above-mentioned embodiments that the rocking speed and the inclination state of the seat 2 are detected and the message corresponding thereto is extracted from the message storage part 36a, the present invention is not limited thereto. The present invention may be configured to detect either of the rocking speed and the inclination state of the seat 2 and extract the message corresponding thereto from the message storage part 36a.

While the invention has been shown and described with respect to the embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. An exercising apparatus comprising:

a movable unit on which a user straddles;

a driving unit for driving the movable unit, the driving unit changing a state of the movable unit to provide the user with an exercising load;

a message output part for outputting messages corresponding to the user's postures repeatedly during a period of providing the user with an exercising load;

an output timing determination part for determining an output timing of the messages by the message output part;

a storage part that stores corresponding relationships between the states of the movable unit and the messages; and

a state detector for detecting the state of the movable unit at approximately the same timing as the output timing determined by the output timing determination part,

wherein the message output part extracts the message corresponding to the state of the movable unit detected by the state detector from the storage part and outputs the extracted message at the output timing determined by the output timing determination part.

2. The exercising apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the state of the movable unit includes an inclination state of the movable unit, and

wherein the storage part stores the messages which include a plurality of messages prepared depending on the inclination state of the movable unit, and the message output part extracts one of the plurality of messages corresponding to the inclination state of the movable unit detected by the state detector from the storage part and outputs the extracted message.

3. The exercising apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the state of the movable unit includes a rocking speed of the movable unit, and

wherein the storage part stores the messages which include a plurality of messages prepared depending on the rocking speed of the movable unit, and the message output part extracts one of the plurality of messages corresponding to the rocking speed of the movable unit detected by the state detector from the storage part and outputs the extracted message.

4. The exercising apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the state of the movable unit includes a rocking speed and an inclination state of the movable unit, and

wherein the storage part stores the messages which include a plurality of messages prepared depending on the rocking speed and the inclination state of the movable unit, and the message output part extracts one of the plurality of messages corresponding to the rocking speed and the inclination state of the movable unit detected by the state detector from the storage part and outputs the extracted message.

5. The exercising apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the storage part stores a plurality of user's postures to be taken for each of the states of the movable unit, and the messages which include a plurality of messages prepared for each of respective combinations of the states of the movable unit and the user's postures to be taken; and

wherein the message output part randomly selects one message, among the plurality of messages, corresponding to the user's posture for the state of the movable unit detected by the state detector, and outputs the selected message.

6. The exercising apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the output timing determination part determines the output timing of the message at random.

7. The exercising apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the messages stored in the storage part include a plurality of messages which are prepared depending on an elapsed time from a starting point of the movable unit driven by the driving unit, and the message output part extracts one of the plurality of messages associated with the elapsed time from the starting point of the movable unit equivalent to the output timing determined by the output timing determination part and outputs the extracted message.

8. The exercising apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the storage part stores a plurality of user's postures to be taken for each of the states of the movable unit, and the messages which include a plurality of messages prepared for each of respective combinations of the states of the movable unit and the user's postures to be taken, and an output order of the plurality of messages prepared for each of the states of the movable unit; and

the message output part outputs the plurality of messages corresponding to the state of the movable unit detected by the state detector, according to the output order of the plurality of messages stored in the storage part.

9. The exercising apparatus as set forth in claim 8, wherein the output order of the plurality of messages is determined based upon a probability of occurrence of each of the user's postures to be taken depending on the state of the movable unit.

10. The exercising apparatus as set forth in claim 8, wherein the output order of the plurality of messages is determined according to an order capable of guiding the user's posture to be appropriate effectively.