GYMNASTIC MACHINE WITH DATA EXCHANGE BY MEANS OF A SHORT RANGE COMMUNICATION CHANNEL AND TRAINING SYSTEM USING SUCH MACHINE

Abstract

A gymnastic machine (3) is described comprising: a data processing unit and relative control station (4) operatively associated to said data processing unit, at least one short-range communication interface (6) operatively associated to said data processing unit. The short range communication interface (6) is configured to form a two-way short-range communication channel to receive at least one user identification code. A training system (100) for a user is also described, comprising: a portable electronic device (1) associated to the user; a short-range communication interface (2) operatively associated to said portable electronic device (1); said short range interface (2) being configured to form a two-way, short-range communication channel to provide at least one user identification code; the aforementioned gymnastic machine (3).

Description

The present invention relates to the fitness sector, in particular, to a gymnastic machine utilisable by a user with data exchange by means of a short range communication channel and a relative training system using such gymnastic machine.

In the fitness sector training systems are known and widespread which permit a user to provide information to the gymnastic machine for setting up said machine before its use. Such information comprises both data representative of the user (such as age, gender, and so forth) and data needed to set the parameters of the gymnastic machine (for example in the case of a treadmill, speed, incline and so forth). In addition, such training systems also permit measuring and monitoring of the physical exercise performed by the user during a training exercise.

In particular, to provide the gymnastic machine with the information required, the user is typically provided with a suitable electronic portable device (such as a key or pen drive) configured to communicate with the gymnastic machine. Such portable electronic device may be physically connected to the gymnastic machine for a wired communication.

Such training system has the drawback of imposing on the user the use of such portable electronic device which obviously adds to the other portable devices a user usually has with him (such as a mobile phone or multimedia audio/video content player).

In order to overcome such drawback, training systems exist which use the mobile phone directly to permit the user at least to collect data during performance of a training program or in general while performing physical exercise.

However, the use of the mobile phone in such sphere is limited to monitoring the physical activity performed by a user collecting information from fixed targets distributed for example along a training circuit of the user or at a fixed point (such as the upright of the net on a volleyball court) in relation to which the user exercises.

Such training systems permit a reduction of the use of further ad hoc electronic devices for monitoring training. Despite this, in such systems only a reduced quantity of data can be handled (in practice only the data relative to monitoring the physical exercise performed) compared to the quantity of data which can be exchanged between the user and gymnastic machine for setting up and performing training. In addition, such systems are particularly suitable for monitoring an outdoor type of activity and relative to indoor activities are limited to monitoring aerobic physical exercise performed in large spaces (for example the exercise performed during a volleyball match) without requiring interaction with a specific gymnastic machine.

The purpose of the present invention is to devise and make available a gymnastic machine utilisable by a user and a training system of the user which makes it possible to overcome the drawbacks mentioned above with reference to the prior art and in particular such as to make the training as efficient and practical as possible in relation to the electronic components utilisable by the user and as reliable as possible as regards the completeness and accuracy of the data handled.

Such purpose is achieved by a gymnastic machine utilisable by a user for training according to claim 1.

Preferred embodiments of such gymnastic machine are defined in the dependent claims 2-7.

The present invention relates to a training system for a user according to claim 8. Preferred embodiments of such training system are defined in the dependent claims 9-22.

Further characteristics and advantages of the gymnastic machine and of the training system for a user according to the invention will, in any case, be evident from the description given below of its preferred embodiments, made by way of non-limiting examples with reference to the appended figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 schematically shows a training system for a user with a gymnastic machine utilisable by the use according to one example of the invention; and

FIG. 2 schematically shows a training system for a user with a gymnastic machine utilisable by the user according to a further example of the invention.

With reference to FIG. 1, a training system 100 for a user will now be described, hereinafter simply training system or system, according to one example of the invention.

The system 100 in FIG. 1 comprises a portable electronic device 1 associated to the user.

For the purposes of the present description, a portable electronic device is taken to mean a mobile phone, including of the latest generation (smart phone), a multimedia audio/video content player (for example MP3 audio player), a tablet and so forth.

The portable electronic device 1, whether a mobile phone, a multimedia audio/video content player or tablet, comprises a processing unit, a memory module, a display screen and a command module to enable the user to use the portable electronic device, for example of the touch screen type, not shown in the figures.

Returning to the training system 100, it comprises a short-range communication interface 2 operatively associated to the portable electronic device 1.

Short range communication is understand to means a wireless technology such as NFC (Near Field Communication), advantageously permitting the two-way exchange of data between two electronic devices up to a maximum distance of about 10 cm. Consequently, such term is not meant to comprise a communication via the Internet which is by definition a long range communication.

The short-range communication interface 2 associated to the portable electronic device 1 is advantageously configured to form a two-way short-range communication channel to exchange at least a user identification code. The user identification code is for example an alphanumerical string representative of the user.

In greater detail, the short-range communication interface 2 operatively associated to the portable electronic device 1 is configured to form a two-way short-range communication channel to provide at least a user identification code to a gymnastic machine 3, described below.

In addition, such short-range communication interface 2 associated to the portable electronic device 1 is configured to exchange, on the basis of the user identification code, further representative data of the training of the user by means of the two-way short-range communication channel formed between the short-range communication interface 2 associated to the portable electronic device 1 and said at least one short-range communication interface 6 associated to the gymnastic machine 3.

Further representative data of the training of the user is taken to mean:

data representative of the training program to be performed by the user (for example in the case of a treadmill, the incline, speed thereof and so forth or, in the case of weight training apparatus, the repetitions to be performed, weight to be lifted, and so forth);

any data representative of some of the user parameters required by the gymnastic machine to correctly set up the exercise envisaged by the training program (such as user's weight, age and so forth);

data representative of the partial or complete results of the training performed by the user (such as time spent, calories burnt, weight lifted, number of repetitions performed and so forth).

In the example according to the invention, the short-range communication interface 2 associated to the portable electronic device 1 is preferably in NFC technology.

It is to be noted, in addition, that the portable electronic device 1 comprises a further short-range communication interface 2′ in Bluetooth technology, to exchange on the basis of the user identification code, further representative data of the training of the user by means of a two-way communication channel formed between the further short-range communication interface 2′ associated to the portable electronic device 1 and the further short-range communication interface of the gymnastic machine 3. This advantageously permits the exchange of such further data at a maximum distance of about 20 m (limit value guaranteed by Bluetooth technology).

In addition, such data communication channel in Bluetooth technology advantageously makes it possible to exchange, on the basis of the user identification code, any multimedia audio/video content or photos stored in a memory module of the portable electronic device 1, which the user may also use on a display screen of a gymnastic machine (described below).

Returning to the example in FIG. 1, the short-range communication interface 2 associated to the portable electronic device 1 is advantageously incorporated in the portable electronic device 1 (as shown schematically in FIG. 1).

In a further embodiment, not shown in the drawings, such short-range communication interface 2 associated to the portable electronic device 1 may be incorporated in a respective electronic adaptor (such as a microSD card) operatively connected to the portable electronic device 1.

In addition, it is to be noted that in the particular embodiment, in which the short-range communication interface 2 associated to the portable electronic device 1 is incorporated in the respective electronic adaptor connected to the portable electronic device 1, the further communication interface in Bluetooth technology 2′, may also be incorporated in such electronic adaptor.

Returning in general to the example in FIG. 1, the system 100 comprises in addition a gymnastic machine 3 which can be used by the user for training.

For the purposes of the present invention gymnastic machine is taken to mean any machine which can be used by a user to perform physical exercise such as for example a treadmill, an exercise bike, an exercise bike with reclined seat, weight training apparatus and so forth.

In the example in the figures, the gymnastic machine 3 is shown only partially so as to better highlight the characteristics important for the purposes of the present description. The portion of gymnastic machine 3 shown by way of example refers to a treadmill. In particular, the front part only of the treadmill is shown, comprising a display screen described below.

The gymnastic machine 3 comprises a data processing unit and a respective memory unit (not shown in the drawings). The memory unit is configured to store program codes run by the data processing unit to manage the training of the user with the gymnastic machine 3 and the data processed by the data processing unit.

The gymnastic machine 3 comprises a control station 4 of the gymnastic machine 3 operatively associated to said data processing unit.

The control station 4 is preferably provided with a display screen 5 and a respective command module, for example of the touch screen type, configured to permit the user to interface with the gymnastic machine 3.

It is to be noted that in the example in the drawings, the command module is the touch screen type and thereby coincides with the display screen 5.

The gymnastic machine 3 further comprises at least one respective short-range communication interface 6 operatively associated to the data processing unit.

Such at least one short-range communication interface 6, is advantageously configured to form a two-way short-range communication channel to receive at least one user identification code from the user's portable electronic device 1.

In the example shown in FIG. 1 the short-range communication interface 6 associated to the data processing unit is incorporated in the gymnastic machine 3.

In greater detail, according to one embodiment, the short-range communication interface 6 associated to the data processing unit is a support surface 7, made and suitably identified inside a storage compartment which the gymnastic machine 3 is provided with, of the user's portable electronic device 1.

In a further embodiment, alternative to or in addition to the previous, the short-range communication interface 6 associated to the data processing unit may be placed in a housing of the gymnastic machine 3 inside which the portable electronic device 1 may be housed. In the drawings, the moveable hatch 7′ is shown by means of which it is possible to access said housing.

In a further embodiment, alternative to the previous, the short-range communication interface 6 associated to the data processing unit is a portion 8 of the display screen 5 of the control station 4 (as schematically illustrated in FIG. 1) or in general a portion of the gymnastic machine 3.

In a further embodiment, the gymnastic machine 3 may comprise, as short-range communication interface 6 associated to the data processing unit, both the support surface 7 of a compartment which the gymnastic machine 3 is provided with, and a portion 8 of the display screen 5 of the control station 4 or in general a portion of the gymnastic machine 3.

Again, in a further embodiment, not shown in the drawings, the short-range communication interface 6 associated to the data processing unit may be incorporated in a respective electronic adaptor operatively connected in turn to the gymnastic machine 3, for example by means of a USB type connection.

It is to be observed that, the short-range communication interface 6 associated to the data processing unit, configured to receive at least the user identification code, is preferably in NFC technology.

In other embodiments, the short-range communication interface 6 associated to the data processing unit may be in an NFC-compatible technology, such as Mifare technology or Felica technology, in themselves known.

It is to be observed that, the processing unit is configured to communicate, on the basis of the user identification code, data representative of the training performed by the user to the user's portable electronic device, through said short-range communication interface.

The gymnastic machine 3 may, in addition, comprise a further short-range communication interface, preferably in Bluetooth technology (not shown in the drawings), associated to the data processing unit, configured to exchange on a two-way communication channel in Bluetooth technology, on the basis of the user identification code, further representative data of the training of the user (as defined above) through said further short-range communication interface.

It is to be observed that, the formation of the two-way short-range communication channel, for example in NFC technology, for the exchange of said at least one user identification code takes place following the movement, by the user, of the portable electronic device 1 towards the gymnastic machine 3 at the moment in which the distance between the short-range communication interface 2 associated to the portable electronic device 1 and the short-range communication interface 6 associated to the data processing unit of the gymnastic machine 3 is about 10 cm or less, as required in the case of communication interfaces in NFC technology.

As regards the further data which can be exchanged in the communication channel formed between the portable electronic device 1 and the gymnastic machine 3, on the basis of the user identification code, the exchange of such further data may take place maintaining a distance which is about 10 cm or less in the case in which one wishes to continue exchanging the further data in the short range data communication channel in NFC technology or increasing such distance to over 10 cm in the case in which one wishes to continue exchanging the further data in a short range communication channel in Bluetooth technology. In such latter case, it will be possible to transfer from the portable electronic device 1 to the gymnastic machine 3 any multimedia audio/video content or photos stored in the memory module of the portable electronic device 1, which the user may also use on the display screen 5 of the gymnastic machine 3.

With particular reference to the partial training data, the data processing unit of the gymnastic machine 3 is configured to transfer such data, on the basis of the user identification code, by means of the short-range, two-way communication channel at regular intervals, for example every 5 or 15 seconds.

As regards the dimensions of the data transferable between the portable electronic device 1 and the gymnastic machine 3, it is to be noted that the transfer of data having large dimensions (such as for example any audio/video multimedia content or photos) may take place through the two-way communication channel using a technology having a greater capacity than NFC technology, such as Bluetooth technology. However, Bluetooth technology requires an authentication step (known as “pairing”) needed at the moment of forming the respective communication channel, which requires the user to enter a security code.

Consequently, in the case in which data having large dimensions (such as the aforesaid multimedia content) needs to be transferred from the portable electronic device 1, not transferable by a communication channel in NFC technology the portable electronic device 1 and the gymnastic machine 3 may advantageously use the two-way short-range communication channel in NFC technology to exchange the user identification code so as to perform the authentication between the portable electronic device 1 and the gymnastic machine 3 and subsequently use the two-way short-range communication channel in authenticated Bluetooth technology, without the user having to enter any security code.

In addition, the communication channel in Bluetooth technology advantageously permits the exchange of data in general imposing less restrictive limitations of distance, between the portable electronic device 1 and the gymnastic machine 3, than those guaranteed by NFC technology. In fact, the maximum distance permitted by Bluetooth technology is up to about 20 m while the maximum guaranteed by NFC technology is about 10 cm.

In the light of this, the use of a two-way short-range communication channel in Bluetooth technology advantageously permits two limitations of the NFC technology to be overcome: the first limit is related to the maximum dimension of transferable data (band width) and the second limit is related to the maximum communication distance (range) between the portable electronic device 1 and the gymnastic machine 3.

To such purpose, it is to be noted that naturally, in the case in which the distance between the portable electronic device 1 and the gymnastic machine 3 were such as not to permit NFC communication, the data exchange would automatically take place through the two-way short-range communication channel in Bluetooth technology.

For example, during training by the user, the relative results (partial and/or complete) may be transferred through the short-range communication channel in Bluetooth technology, if the distance does not permit the exchange through the two-way short-range communication channel in NFC technology.

Lastly, it is to be noted that according to any of the embodiments described above, the data processing unit of the gymnastic machine 3 is configured to communicate directly or through the portable electronic device 1, on the basis of the user identification code, data representative of the training performed by the user to a remote electronic processor (described below) through a long range communication channel, such as an Internet connection.

In addition, according to any of the embodiments described above, such data processing unit is configured to download, on the basis of the user identification code, data representative of the training program to be followed from the remote electronic processor, by means of a long range communication channel.

Returning to the example in FIG. 1, the system 100 further comprises a remote electronic processor 9, for example a computer server.

The remote electronic processor 9, is configured to exchange with the portable electronic device 1 or directly with the gymnastic machine 3, on the basis of the user identification code, the further representative data of the training of the user, or the data representative of the training performed by the user and/or the data representative of the training program to be followed, by means of a long range communication channel, for example an Internet connection preferably wireless.

In particular, the remote electronic processor 9 is configured to transfer the data representative of the training program to the portable electronic device 1, on the basis of the user identification code, by means of the long range communication channel.

In addition, the remote electronic processor 9 is also configured to acquire from the gymnastic machine 3, on the basis of the user identification code, partial and/or complete data representative of the training program performed by the user, by means of the long range communication channel.

Alternatively, the electronic processor 9 is configured to acquire, on the basis of the user identification code, data representative of the training performed by the user from the portable electronic device 1, as said above, by means of the long range communication channel. The portable electronic device 1 is in turn configured to acquire such further data, on the basis of the user identification code, directly from the gymnastic machine 3, by means of the short range communication channel (in NFC or Bluetooth technology).

With general reference again to the training system in FIG. 1, it is to be noted that the short-range communication channel in NFC technology advantageously permits the transfer of the user identification code from the portable electronic device 1 to the gymnastic machine 3 (identification of the user by the gymnastic machine 3).

Following such identification, the user can perform the training in two different modes, manual or automatic.

In the manual training mode, the user can manually set the functioning parameters of the gymnastic machine 3 (for example, in the case of a treadmill, speed and incline) and thus perform the training.

It is to be noted that in this mode, no transfer of data representative of the training performed by the user takes place but only the so-called monitoring or tracking of the partial or complete results of the training in the gymnastic machine 3.

Such (partial or complete) results of the training are then transferred from the gymnastic machine 3 preferably directly to the remote electronic processor 9, through the long range communication channel. Alternatively, they may be transferred from the gymnastic machine 3 to the portable electronic device 1, by means of the short range communication channel, and subsequently from the portable electronic device 1 to the remote electronic processor 9, by means of the long range communication channel (synchronisation of data).

In the automatic training mode, the data representative of the training program to be followed for example previously assigned to the user by a personal trainer, are stored inside the portable electronic device 1 and/or remote electronic processor 9, on the basis of the user identification code.

The transfer of data representative of the training program to be followed (for example in the form of code strings) to the gymnastic machine 3 may take place, on the basis of the user identification code, from the portable electronic device 1, through the short-range communication channel which previously acquired such data directly from the remote electronic processor 9, by means of the long range communication channel.

In other words, the remote electronic processor 9 is configured to provide the portable electronic device 1, on the basis of the user identification code, data representative of the training program to be followed by the user, by means of a long range communication channel. In addition, the portable electronic device 1 is configured to provide the gymnastic machine 3, on the basis of the user identification code, the data representative of the training program to be followed by the user, by means of a short range communication channel.

It is to be noted that the transfer from the remote electronic processor 9 to the portable electronic device 1 (data synchronisation) and the subsequent transfer from the portable electronic device 1 to the gymnastic machine 3, need not occur immediately one after the other. In fact, the user may in, at an initial moment (for example while still at home) synchronise the portable electronic device 1 with the remote electronic processor 9 so as to acquire on the basis of the user identification code, the data representative of the training program to be followed and at a later time, when in the gym (for example one week after the initial moment), synchronise the gymnastic machine 3 with the portable electronic device 1 so as to load on the gymnastic machine 3, on the basis of the user identification code, the data representative of the training program to be followed.

It is to be noted, in addition, that the transfer of the data representative of the training program to be followed towards the gymnastic machine 3 may take place, on the basis of the user identification code, in addition to or alternatively to the portable electronic device 1, directly from the remote electronic processor 9, through the long range communication channel.

The gymnastic machine 3 is configured to provide the remote electronic processor 9, on the basis of the user identification code, the partial or complete data of the training performed by the user.

In greater detail, the results of the training (partial or complete), “tracked” by the gymnastic machine 3 are transferred from the gymnastic machine 3 preferably directly to the remote electronic processor 9, on the basis of the user identification code, by means of the long range communication channel (synchronisation of data).

Alternatively, the gymnastic machine 3 is configured to transfer to the portable electronic device 1, on the basis of the user identification code, the partial or complete data of the training program performed by the user, by means of the short range communication channel. In this example of embodiment, the portable electronic device 1 is configured to transfer to the remote electronic processor 9, on the basis of the user identification code, the partial or complete data of the training program performed by the user, by means of the long range communication channel.

With reference now to FIG. 2, a training system 200 for a user will now be described, according to a further example of the invention.

It is to be noted that similar or analogous elements and components of the example in FIG. 1 and the further example in FIG. 2 will be indicated using the same reference numerals.

The system 200 comprises a portable electronic device 1 entirely similar to that of the example in FIG. 2.

In addition, the system 200 comprises a respective short-range communication interface 2 operatively associated to the portable electronic device 1.

Such short-range communication interface associated to the portable electronic device 1, entirely analogous to that described above with reference to FIG. 1, may be incorporated in the portable electronic device 1 or incorporated in a respective electronic adaptor (not shown in the figure) operatively connected to the portable electronic device 1.

The system 200 further comprises a gymnastic machine 3, entirely similar to that in the example of FIG. 1.

The system 200 of the further example in FIG. 2 further comprises a portable electronic media 10, which the user is provided with, configured to be operatively associated to the gymnastic machine 3.

Such portable electronic media 10 comprises a control module, a memory module and a communication module with the gymnastic machine 3 (not shown in the figure). Such memory module is configured to store a user identification code. Such communication module can be configured to permit a wired connection with the gymnastic machine 3 (such as a USB port) or wireless connection (for example through Mifare, NFC technology and so forth).

To such purpose, the gymnastic machine 3 comprises a housing 11 to house the portable electronic media 10, and facilitate the connection between said media 10 and the gymnastic machine 3, whether such takes place in wired or wireless mode.

In one embodiment, the portable electronic media 10 may be a simple personal data storage unit (key or pen drive) which the user identification code (for example an alphanumerical string representative of the user data) personal data of the user such as age, weight, height and so forth, the training program to be followed and the partial or complete results of the training performed, can be stored in.

In a further embodiment, the portable electronic media 10 may instead be an electronic device suitable for wearing by the user configured in addition to monitor the physical exercise performed by the user (such as a step counter key or key with GPS). In such case, the portable electronic media 10 is preferably provided with a display screen to provide the user with an indication of the progress of the physical exercise performed.

Returning to the system 200 in FIG. 2, the portable electronic media 10 comprises a respective short range interface 12 advantageously configured to form a short-range communication channel to provide at least the user identification code to the gymnastic machine 3.

In one embodiment, the short-range communication interface 12 associated to the portable electronic media 10 is incorporated in said portable electronic media 10.

According to another embodiment, the short-range communication interface 12 associated to the portable electronic media 10 is incorporated in a respective electronic adaptor connected to the portable electronic media 10.

It is to be noted that the short-range communication interface 12 associated to the portable electronic media 10 is configured to exchange, on the basis of the user identification code, further representative data of the training of the user, already described above with reference to the example in FIG. 1 and therefore not repeated here.

In a further embodiment, the portable electronic media 10 further comprises a further interface 12′ in Bluetooth technology, configured to form a two-way short-range communication channel for the exchange, on the basis of the user identification code, of the further representative data of the training of the user between the gymnastic machine 3 and the portable electronic device 1.

In a further embodiment, said short-range communication interface 12 in Bluetooth technology may be incorporated in a respective electronic adaptor connected to the portable electronic media 10.

In the case of data having large dimensions (already described above) in a further embodiment, the portable electronic device 1 is configured to exchange, on the basis of the user identification code, data representative of the training of the user and/or further multimedia contents with the gymnastic machine 3 through the two-way short-range communication channel in Bluetooth technology, enabled thanks to the transfer of the user identification code onto the short-range communication channel between the portable electronic media 10 and the gymnastic machine 3.

In greater detail, the portable electronic device 1 is configured to transfer to the portable electronic media 10, through the two-way short-range communication channel in NFC technology, at least the user identification code. Subsequently, the portable electronic device 1 is configured to transfer to the gymnastic machine 3, on the basis of the user identification code, data having large dimensions through the Bluetooth communication channel formed directly between the portable electronic device 1 and the gymnastic machine 3 but enabled beforehand through the short-range, two-way communication channel in NFC technology. In this embodiment too, the authentication for forming the communication channel in Bluetooth technology takes place without the user having to enter a security code.

It is to be noted that in this embodiment, the exchange of data between the portable electronic device 1 and the gymnastic machine 3 takes place through the Bluetooth technology communication channel. This advantageously permits the exchange of data having large dimensions imposing less restrictive limitations of distance between the portable electronic device 1 and the gymnastic machine 3, than those guaranteed by NFC technology (as explained above).

In addition, according to a further embodiment, the portable electronic media 10 is configured to exchange with the gymnastic machine 3, on the basis of the user identification code, data representative of the training of the user through a connection channel in USB technology.

The system 200 in FIG. 2 further comprises a remote electronic processor 9, for example a computer server, operatively associated to the portable electronic device 1. The remote electronic processor 9 is entirely analogous to that described with reference to the remote electronic processor 9 of the example in FIG. 1.

To such purpose, the portable electronic device 1 is configured to acquire from the remote electronic processor 9, on the basis of the user identification code, the data representative of the training program to be followed by means of the long range communication channel (synchronisation of data). The portable electronic device 1 is configured to provide to the portable electronic media 10, on the basis of the user identification code, the data representative of the training program to be followed by the user, (synchronisation of the data between the portable electronic device 1 and the portable electronic media 10), by means of a short-range, two-way communication channel, preferably in NFC technology or in Bluetooth technology (if the distance between the device and the media does not permit the exchange of data in NFC technology).

It is to be noted that the aforesaid synchronisation may take place in an initial moment (for example when the user is at home) in relation to a later moment (even after some time) when the user begins to train on a gymnastic machine, for example in the gym.

The portable electronic media 10, placed beside or inserted in the gymnastic machine 3 in one of the ways described above, is configured to transfer the user identification code to the gymnastic machine 3, by means of the short range, two-way communication channel, through NFC or Mifare technology, or by means of connection via the USB port, in the case of manual training by the user (which will proceed as described above), and to also transfer the data representative of the training program of the user, in one of the ways described above, in the case of automatic training by the user.

As regards the results (partial or complete) of the training, the gymnastic machine 3 is configured to transfer such data to the remote electronic processor 9, on the basis of the user identification code.

In greater detail, the gymnastic machine 3 is configured to “track” the aforesaid data, and to transfer such data to the portable electronic media 10, on the basis of the user identification code, through the short-range communication channel in NFC or Bluetooth technology, or by means of connection via the USB port.

The portable electronic media 10 once placed beside the portable electronic device 1, is configured to transfer to it the partial or complete results of the training performed by the user, on the basis of the user identification code, through the short-range communication channel in NFC technology, or in an NFC compatible technology), (synchronisation of data).

The portable electronic device 1 is configured to transfer the partial or complete results of the training performed by the user to the remote electronic processor 9, on the basis of the user identification code, by means of the long range communication channel, preferably the Internet connection (synchronisation of data).

In a further embodiment, the gymnastic machine 3 may be configured to transfer the partial or complete results of the training directly to the remote electronic processor 9, on the basis of the user identification code, by means of a long range communication channel.

Again, in a further example of the invention, the gymnastic machine 3 is advantageously configured to transfer to the remote electronic processor 9, on the basis of the user identification code provided by the portable electronic media 10, data representative of the training program to be followed by the user, by means of a long range communication channel.

With reference again to the example in FIG. 1, an example of functioning of the training system 100 for a user using the gymnastic machine 3 will now be described.

The user moves or rests the portable electronic device 1 (such as a mobile phone or smart phone) towards or on the gymnastic machine 3 he intends to use for training until the distance between the portable electronic device 1 and the gymnastic machine 3 is such as to permit the formation of a short range, two-way communication channel to transfer at least the user identification code to the gymnastic machine 3.

Subsequently, in the case of the user choosing the automatic training mode, the portable electronic device 1 (and/or the remote electronic processor 9 directly) transfers to the gymnastic machine 3, on the basis of the user identification code, the data representative of the training program of the user, and if necessary data representative of some user parameters required by the gymnastic machine to correctly set up the exercise envisaged by the training program.

The gymnastic machine 3 automatically regulates itself on the basis of the functioning parameters (speed, incline, resistance, and so forth) received from the portable electronic device 1 and/or from the remote electronic processor 9.

The user begins to exercise on the gymnastic machine 3 and may enjoy on the display screen 5 any multimedia audio/video content and/or photos stored in the memory module of the portable electronic device 1, which can be transferred from the portable electronic device 1 to the gymnastic machine 3 through the short-range communication channel in Bluetooth technology.

During the performance of physical exercise by the user, the gymnastic machine 3 tracks the partial (for example obtained every 5 seconds) or complete results of the training performed by the user and transfers such results, on the basis of the user identification code, to the portable electronic device 1, through the short-range two-way communication channel.

Alternatively or in addition, the portable electronic device 1 transfers the partial or complete results of the training program performed by the user, on the basis of the user identification code, to the remote electronic processor 9, through the long range communication channel.

As may be seen, the aim of the invention is fully achieved in that the use of a short range communication interface (for example in NFC technology) associated to the portable electronic device 1 (incorporated therein or by means of a suitable electronic adaptor, such as a microSD card) and a short range communication interface (for example in NFC or compatible technology) associated to the gymnastic machine 3 (incorporated therein or by means of an electronic adaptor, or incorporated in the portable electronic media usually used by the user to set up the gymnastic machine to perform physical exercise) enables the user to form a short-range communication channel to provide at least the user identification code to the gymnastic machine (and subsequently other data too) by simply using for example his mobile phone (smart phone). This permits the user to advantageously authenticate himself to use the gymnastic machine merely by moving/placing his mobile phone near the gymnastic machine rather than having to proceed with a manual authentication which usually requires entering of a user identification code (login) and password.

In addition, the fact that the two-way short-range communication channel is in NFC technology permits the user to easily use his mobile phone to transfer the user identification code to the gymnastic machine and subsequently to set the training, in the case of training in manual mode, on the basis of the aforesaid code, or to transfer to his mobile phone (and/or remote electronic processor 9), on the basis of the aforesaid code, the (partial or complete) results of the training program performed, both in the case of training in manual mode and in the case of training in automatic mode.

In addition, the short-range communication channel formed permits the user to easily use any multimedia audio/video content and/or photos stored in his mobile phone on the gymnastic machine.

Lastly, it is to be noted that in the case in which the formation of a Bluetooth communication channel between the mobile phone and the gymnastic machine (suitable for the transfer of data having large dimensions) is possible the short-range communication interface associated to the mobile phone and the short-range communication interface associated to the gymnastic machine, both in NFC technology, advantageously permit the user to form the communication channel in Bluetooth technology without entering a security code to enable such. In such case, the user may move his mobile phone towards the gymnastic machine to a distance of less than 10 cm to permit the formation of the communication channel in NFC technology while subsequently he can perform the training keeping the mobile phone at a different distance from the gymnastic machine in that the data transfer will continue in Bluetooth technology which allows a maximum distance of about 20 m.

Moreover, the user is able to perform and monitor his training using the portable electronic devices which he usually uses during the day at other times or for other activities such as the mobile phone (smart phone), audio/video content player (for example MP3 or MP4 player) or tablet which are now already fitted or can be fitted with an electronic adaptor (microSD card) with short range communication interface, for example in NFC and Bluetooth technology.

A person skilled in the art may make modifications and adaptations to the embodiments of the gymnastic machine and training system using said gymnastic machine described above replacing elements with others functionally equivalent so as to satisfy contingent requirements while remaining within the sphere of protection of the following claims. Each of the characteristics described as belonging to a possible embodiment may be realised independently of the other embodiments described.

Claims

1. Gymnastic machine which can be used by a user for training, comprising:

a data processing unit,

a control station of the gymnastic machine operatively associated to said data processing unit,

at least one short-range communication interface associated to said data processing unit,

wherein said at least one short-range communication interface is configured to form a two-way short-range communication channel to receive at least a user identification code from the user's portable electronic device.

2. Gymnastic machine according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit is configured to communicate, on the basis of the user identification code, data representative of the training performed by the user to a remote electronic processor, through a long range communication channel.

3. Gymnastic machine according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit is configured to communicate, on the basis of the user identification code, data representative of the training performed by the user to the user's portable electronic device, through said short-range communication interface.

4. Gymnastic machine according to claim 1, comprising, in addition, a further short-range communication interface associated to said data processing unit, configured to exchange, on the basis of the user identification code, data representative of the training performed by the user to the user's portable electronic device, through said further short-range communication interface.

5. Gymnastic machine according to claim 1, wherein the data processing unit is configured to download, on the basis of the user identification code, data representative of the training program to be followed from a remote electronic processor, through a long range communication channel.

6. Gymnastic machine according to claim 1, wherein the short-range communication interface is in NFC technology or other NFC-compatible technology.

7. Gymnastic machine (3) according to claim 4, wherein said further short-range communication interface is in Bluetooth technology.

8. Training system for a user, comprising:

a portable electronic device associated to the user;

a short-range communication interface operatively associated to said portable electronic device, said short range interface being configured to form a two-way short-range communication channel to provide at least one user identification code;

a gymnastic machine according to claim 1.

9. System according to claim 8, wherein the short-range communication interface associated to the portable electronic device is configured to form a two-way short-range communication channel to provide said at least one user identification code to the gymnastic machine.

10. System according to claim 9, wherein the short-range communication interface associated to the portable electronic device is configured to exchange, on the basis of the user identification code, further representative data of the training of the user by means of the two-way short-range communication channel formed between the short-range communication interface associated to the portable electronic device and said at least one short-range communication interface associated to the gymnastic machine.

11. System according to claim 9, wherein the portable electronic device comprises a further short-range communication interface in Bluetooth technology, to exchange on the basis of the user identification code, further representative data of the training of the user by means of a two way communication channel formed between the further short-range communication interface associated to the portable electronic device and the further short-range communication interface of the gymnastic machine.

12-16. (canceled)

17. System according to claim 8, further comprising a remote electronic processor, configured to provide the portable electronic device on the basis of the user identification code, data representative of the training program to be followed by the user, by means of a long range communication channel.

18. System according to claim 8, wherein the portable electronic device is configured to provide the gymnastic machine, on the basis of the user identification code, the data representative of the training program to be followed by the user, by means of a short range communication channel.

19. (canceled)

20. System according to claim 8, wherein the gymnastic machine is configured to provide the remote electronic processor, on the basis of the user identification code, the partial or complete data of the training program performed by the user, by means of a long range communication channel.

21. System according to claim 20, wherein the gymnastic machine is configured to transfer to the portable electronic device, on the basis of the user identification code, the partial or complete data of the training program performed by the user, by means of the short range communication channel, the portable electronic device being configured to transfer to the remote electronic processor, on the basis of the user identification code, the partial or complete data of the training program performed by the user, by means of the long range communication channel.

22. (canceled)