INTELLIGENT VARIABLE RESISTANCE WEIGHT TRAINING MACHINES

Provided are mechanisms and processes relating to intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment such as a weight lifting machine or weight training apparatus. In one example, a system includes a magnetic resistance mechanism that applies and varies magnetic resistance corresponding to gravity based weight resistance for a user performing a weight training exercise. The equipment may include data storage that maintains exercise profiles and a processor that adjusts the amount of gravity based weight resistance based on a profile identified for the user.

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Description
TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment. In one example, the present disclosure relates to mechanisms and processes for intelligently controlling resistance associated with a weight machine.

BACKGROUND

Various exercise equipment such as weight machines, stationary bikes, treadmills, elliptical machines, and other gravity and resistance based workout machines provide ways for people to exercise and maintain their fitness. Because individuals may have different fitness levels, they may prefer different workout settings. Typically, these settings are manually entered by a user. Weight machines involve individuals setting a particular weight to exercise a particular muscle or muscle group. The individuals can then set a different weight at a different time. Treadmills may allow individuals to input data via a screen or buttons attached to treadmill.

However, manually changing weights or inputting settings and logging in to the electronics associated with the exercise equipment can be time consuming and tedious, especially for users who work out frequently. Additionally, users who like to use different exercise machines during a workout will usually have to log in to each machine individually, which can disrupt the workout flow. Accordingly, various aspects of the present invention provide improvements over typical exercise equipment systems.

SUMMARY

Provided are mechanisms and processes relating to intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment such as a weight lifting machine or weight training apparatus. In one example, a system includes a magnetic resistance mechanism that applies and varies magnetic resistance corresponding to gravity based weight resistance for a user performing a weight training exercise. The equipment may include data storage that maintains exercise profiles and a processor that dynamically adjusts the amount of gravity based weight resistance based on a profile identified for the user during and between workout sequences.

In one aspect, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, a system includes an automatic detection mechanism, data storage, and a processor. The automatic detection mechanism is associated with intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment and automatically identifies a user when the user engages with the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment, without any manual input from the user. The data storage is also associated with the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment and stores personal exercise profiles associated with numerous users. The processor accesses a personal exercise profile associated with the user once the user is detected and automatically adjusts a weight or resistance mechanism associated with the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment based on the personal exercise profile for the user.

In another aspect, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, a system includes an automatic detection mechanism and a processor. The automatic detection mechanism is associated with intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment and automatically identifies a user when the user engages with the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment, without any manual input from the user. The automatic detection mechanism includes a personal device interface that receives a personal exercise profile associated with the user that includes information about a preferred workout routine for the user and corresponding settings for a resistance mechanism associated with the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment. The processor automatically adjusts the resistance mechanism associated with the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment based on the preferred workout routine for the user and corresponding settings for the resistance mechanism associated with the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment.

In yet another aspect, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, a method includes automatically detecting a user at intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment without receiving any manual input from the user. The method further includes retrieving a personal exercise profile associated with the user, where the personal exercise profile includes information about a preferred workout routine for the user and corresponding settings for a resistance mechanism associated with the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment. The method also includes automatically adjusting the resistance mechanism associated with the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment based on the preferred workout routine for the user.

These and other embodiments are described further below with reference to the figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates one example of an intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment system.

FIG. 2 illustrates another example of an intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment system.

FIG. 3 illustrates another example of an intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment system.

FIG. 4 illustrates another example of an intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment system.

FIG. 5 illustrates one example of a flow diagram depicting a process for intelligently and automatically adjusting magnetic resistance in exercise equipment for a detected user.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to some specific examples of the present disclosure including the best modes contemplated by the inventors for carrying out the present disclosure. Examples of these specific embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the present disclosure is described in conjunction with these specific embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the described embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. Particular example embodiments of the present invention may be implemented without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process operations have not been described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

Various techniques and mechanisms of the present invention will sometimes be described in singular form for clarity. However, it should be noted that some embodiments include multiple iterations of a technique or multiple instantiations of a mechanism unless noted otherwise. For example, a system uses a processor in a variety of contexts. However, it will be appreciated that a system can use multiple processors while remaining within the scope of the present invention unless otherwise noted. Furthermore, the techniques and mechanisms of the present invention will sometimes describe a connection between two entities. It should be noted that a connection between two entities does not necessarily mean a direct, unimpeded connection, as a variety of other entities may reside between the two entities. For example, a processor may be connected to memory, but it will be appreciated that a variety of bridges and controllers may reside between the processor and memory. Consequently, a connection does not necessarily mean a direct, unimpeded connection unless otherwise noted.

Exercise equipment machines such as weight lifting machines, weight training machines, exercise bikes, elliptical machines, and treadmills, are popular machines used for individual fitness and health. Typically, exercise equipment includes manual or electronic mechanisms for allowing a user to change the resistance of an exercise machine. In some examples, a user may modify the amount of weight resistance by attaching additional weight plates to a cable or bar. In other examples, settings are manually input by a user, such as by entering data through a screen or via buttons attached to an exercise machine. In some instances, a user can log in and retrieve preferred workout settings and routines. However, inputting settings and logging into the electronics associated with the exercise equipment can be time consuming and tedious, especially for weight training equipment. With weight training equipment, weight plates may need to be manually adjusted every time a user wants to change the degree of difficulty of a workout. For example, chest, arm, shoulder, and leg strength exercises versus endurance based exercises typically involve a user adjusting the amount or number of weight plates attached or mounted to a bar or cable. If a user wishes to increase the weight from 1401 bs to 1701 bs, the user would have to adjust the amount or number of weight plates attached. However, it is recognized that this may disrupt a user's exercise experience. Furthermore, there is no way of easily changing the amount of weight based resistance during a sequence of repetitions or even during a single repetition.

Accordingly, various aspects of the present invention provide improvements over typical exercise equipment systems. Specifically, in various examples, a weight training system allows for dynamic and intelligent adjustment of the amount of gravity based weight applied for a user performing a weight training activity. For example, a user performing a bench press can have the amount of gravity based weight intelligently varied during a sequence of repetitions without interruption to stop and change the amount of weights attached to a bar or cable. According to various embodiments, the amount of magnetic force applied changes based on the workout profile selected by the user or selected for the user. According to various embodiments, a system is provided that allows an intelligent variable resistance exercise machine to detect a user and user workout characteristics and adjust the workout settings for the user automatically, without the user having to manually input any data or login information. In particular embodiments, the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment detects a personal device associated with the user or biometric information provided by the user to identify the user. The intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment then accesses a personal exercise profile for the user that provides information about the user's preferred workout routine. For example, the user may prefer 10 repetitions at 501bs, 20 repetitions at 1001bs, and 10 repetitions at 351bs. The intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment then automatically adjusts a resistance mechanism designed to provide resistance based on the preferred workout routine.

According to various embodiments, the resistance applied for strength training is constant to approximate the constant gravitational force applied to weight based exercise equipment. In some examples, magnetic resistance is varied to apply constant force. It is recognized that many rowing machines or treadmills based on magnetic resistance do not have constant force as momentum from a flywheel can decrease the amount of force that the user needs to apply once the flywheel begins to rotate. By contrast, the techniques of the present invention contemplate generating constant force when desired by applying a variety of varying magnetic and mechanical based resistance mechanisms.

In some examples, the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment recognizes that a particular sequence of weight training exercises may have been performed very rapidly suggesting that the user has mastered this sequence. Additional weight or force may then be applied to a subsequent sequence to continue to challenge the user. In particular embodiments, the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment determines when the exercise has become too easy or too difficult and adjusts resistance accordingly. This system allows a user to efficiently engage in a workout routine without having to spend time adjusting the settings used during a workout session. Instead, the user can begin a workout routine immediately upon approaching each intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment.

With reference to FIG. 1, shown is one example of an intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment system. As shown, an intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment 115 communicates wirelessly with a personal device 101 associated with a user. In particular, the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment 115 detects the user and then automatically controls a resistance mechanism 119 associated with the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment 115 based on a personal exercise profile associated with the user.

In the present example, the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment 115 is designed to detect a personal device 101 associated with a user. The personal device 101 can be a mobile device, smart phone, wearable device, tablet, computer, or the like, which stores a personal exercise profile 107 for the user. The personal exercise profile 107 includes information about a preferred workout routine for the user and may also include corresponding settings for the resistance mechanism 119 associated with the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment 115. The personal exercise profile 107 can also include any number of workout routines that the user likes to use and any associated settings.

According to various embodiments, personal device 101 also includes a processor 103, memory 105, display 111, bus 113, and exercise equipment interface 109. The processor 103 performs various actions such as retrieving the personal exercise profile 107 and sending it to the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment 115 via exercise equipment interface 109. The interface 109 may include separate input and output interfaces, or may be a unified interface supporting both operations. The interface 109 is typically configured to send and receive data packets or data segments over a network. Personal device 101 uses memory 105 to store data and program instructions and maintain a local side cache. The program instructions may control the operation of an operating system and/or one or more applications, for example. The memory or memories may also be configured to store received metadata and batch requested metadata. Display 111 can include a touch screen, LCD, LED, or the like. Additionally, bus 113 can include a PCI bus, or the like. Although particular components are shown, it should be recognized that some components can be omitted in some examples. For instance, display 111 can be omitted in some examples if the personal device 101 is a wearable device, fitness device, or the like.

As shown in the present example, user 135 interacts with personal device 101, such as by wearing, holding or otherwise being associated with the personal device 101. The personal device 101 communicates wirelessly with the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment 115 via exercise equipment interface 109 and personal device interface 117, respectively. In some examples, intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment 115 communicates with personal device 101 when personal device 101 is detected within a physical proximity to the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment 115. In other examples, personal device 101 can communicate with intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment 115 remotely to prepare for an upcoming workout.

According to various embodiments, the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment 115 includes a personal device interface 117, resistance mechanism 119, bus 121, processor 123, memory 125, and display 127. These components of intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment 115 operate together to control the resistance mechanism 119 automatically and/or remotely using a personal exercise profile 107 associated with the user and/or personal device 101 to provide a workout routine for the user. Specifically, various components work together as an automatic detection mechanism that automatically identifies the user without any manual input from the user when the user engages with the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment 115.

In the present example, interface 117 receives a personal exercise profile 107 from personal device 101. The personal exercise profile may include information about a preferred workout routine for the user and may also include corresponding settings for a resistance mechanism 119 associated with the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment. In some examples, personal device interface 117 also receives a signal from personal device 101 prior to receiving the personal exercise profile 107. This signal is used by the processor 123 to identify the user. Specifically, the signal can be sent when the user is in proximity to the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment 115 in some embodiments. Additionally, the signal can be sent remotely to the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment in some embodiments. For instance, the signal can be sent in preparation for the user's upcoming workout.

In some examples, interface 117 may include separate input and output interfaces, or may be a unified interface supporting both operations. The interface 117 is typically configured to send and receive data packets or data segments over a network. For instance, the interface 117 may send and receive communications to and from personal device 101.

In the present example, the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment 115 includes resistance mechanism 119. This resistance mechanism 119 is adjusted to provide the desired difficulty in a workout for the user. In particular embodiments, the resistance mechanism 119 uses magnetic resistance. Specifically, electromagnetic induction is used to provide resistance and braking that can be very smooth and provide continuous resistance. The intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment 115 can be built with or retrofitted with magnetic resistance plates so that resistance can be controlled automatically or remotely using the personal exercise profile 107 associated with the user and/or personal device 101. For instance, various types of exercise equipment such as an exercise bike, elliptical machine, treadmill, weight machine, or the like, can be built with or retrofitted with magnetic resistance plates. For a weight machine, free weights can be replaced with magnetic resistance that can provide the desired amount of weight that the user would like to lift, press, etc.

In some examples, the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment 115 may also include electronic controls that allow the resistance to be set by the user, as is typical of exercise equipment using magnetic resistance. These electronic controls can be included in a control panel on or near the handlebars of the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment 115. Although the user may be able to control and adjust the resistance of the equipment manually by using the electronic controls, the user can also rely on default controls provided by the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment 115 and personal device 101 if the user does not want to enter any manual inputs. Furthermore, in some examples, any inputs that the user enters into the electronic controls can be logged in the user's personal exercise profile 107 for future reference or settings.

Although various mechanisms and methods described herein relate to magnetic resistance, the methods can also be used with direct contact or other types of resistance mechanisms in exercise equipment. For instance, exercise equipment using direct-contact resistance such as brake pads or friction bands can also be retrofitted with an electronic control system that would control the mechanical aspects of the equipment in accordance with various embodiments described. In particular, the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment 115 can be built with or retrofitted with these mechanical aspects so that resistance can be controlled automatically or remotely using a personal exercise profile associated with the user and/or personal device 101.

In the present example, the processor 123 performs various actions such as controlling the resistance mechanism 119 in accordance with a chosen workout routine from the personal exercise profile 107. Specifically, the processor 123 automatically adjusts the resistance mechanism 119 based on a preferred workout routine for the user, as indicated in the personal exercise profile 107 provided by personal device 101, and corresponding settings for the resistance mechanism 119. When acting under the control of appropriate software or firmware, the processor 123 may also be responsible for such tasks such as optimization. Various specially configured devices can also be used in place of a processor 123 or in addition to processor 123. The complete implementation can also be done in custom hardware.

According to various embodiments, intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment 115 uses memory 125 to store data and program instructions and maintain a local side cache. The program instructions may control the operation of an operating system and/or one or more applications, for example. The memory or memories may also be configured to store received metadata and batch requested metadata. Display 127 can include a touch screen, LCD, LED, or the like. Additionally, bus 121 can include a PCI bus, or the like. Although particular components are shown as part of the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment 115, it should be recognized that some components can be added or omitted in some examples.

Because information and program instructions may be employed to implement the systems/methods described in various embodiments herein, the present invention relates to tangible, machine readable media that include program instructions, state information, etc. for performing various operations described herein. Examples of machine-readable media include hard disks, floppy disks, magnetic tape, optical media such as CD-ROM disks and DVDs; magneto-optical media such as optical disks, and hardware devices that are specially configured to store and perform program instructions, such as read-only memory devices (ROM) and programmable read-only memory devices (PROMs). Examples of program instructions include both machine code, such as produced by a compiler, and files containing higher level code that may be executed by the computer using an interpreter.

With reference to FIG. 2, shown is another example of an intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment system. As shown, an intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment 205 communicates with a personal device 201 associated with a user. In particular, the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment 205 detects the user and automatically controls a resistance mechanism 209 associated with the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment 205 based on a personal exercise profile associated with the user.

In the present example, the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment 205 is designed to detect a personal device 201 associated with a user 235. The personal device 201 can be a wearable device, key fob, dongle, or the like, which stores a personal identifier 203 that includes identification information associated with the user. The personal identifier 203 can include a code, a tag, a name, or other identifier associated with the user. In some embodiments, the personal device may also include components such as a processor, memory, and display 217. These components may be simplified to perform specific tasks such as maintaining information associated with the personal identifier 203, in some examples.

As shown in the present example, user 235 interacts with personal device 201, such as by wearing, holding or otherwise being associated with the personal device 201. The personal device 201 can be detected wirelessly by a proximity sensor 207 associated with an intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment 205 when the personal device 201 is within a particular range of the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment 205. In some examples, personal device 201 includes a tag or emits signals that are detectable by proximity sensor 207.

According to various embodiments, the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment 205 includes a proximity sensor 207, resistance mechanism 209, data storage 211, processor 213, memory 215, display 217, and bus 219. These components of intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment 205 operate together to control the resistance mechanism 209 automatically and/or remotely using profiles associated with the user and/or personal device 201 to provide a workout routine for the user. Specifically, various components work together as an automatic detection mechanism that automatically identifies the user without any manual input from the user when the user engages with the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment.

In the present example, proximity sensor 207 detects the personal identifier 203 associated with personal device 201. Once the proximity sensor 207 detects the personal identifier 203, the user can be identified by the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment 205. According to various embodiments, the proximity sensor 207 can employ technologies such as near field communication (NFC), radio frequency identifier (RFID), or the like, to recognize a personal identifier 203 such as an NFC tag, RFID tag, or the like, associated with the personal device 201. In some instances, the proximity sensor 207 can include an interface that receives wireless signals, such as data packets or data segments over a network, emitted from the personal device 201. In other instances, the proximity sensor 207 can include an interface that sends out wireless signals such as data packets or data segments over a network, to detect if personal device 201 is nearby. Additionally, in some instances, an interface can include both input and output capabilities.

In the present example, the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment 205 includes resistance mechanism 209. This resistance mechanism 209 is adjusted to provide the desired difficulty in a workout for the user. In particular embodiments, the resistance mechanism 209 uses magnetic resistance. Specifically, electromagnetic induction is used to provide resistance and braking that can be very smooth and provide continuous resistance. The intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment 205 can be built with or retrofitted with magnetic resistance plates so that resistance can be controlled automatically or remotely based on a personal exercise profile associated with the user 235. For instance, various types of exercise equipment such as an exercise bike, elliptical machine, treadmill, weight machine, or the like, can be built with or retrofitted with magnetic resistance plates. For a weight machine, free weights can be replaced with magnetic resistance that can provide the desired amount of weight that the user would like to lift, press, etc.

In some examples, the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment 205 may also include electronic controls that allow the resistance to be set by the user, as is typical of exercise equipment using magnetic resistance. These electronic controls can be included in a control panel on or near the handlebars of the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment 205. Although the user may be able to control and adjust the resistance of the equipment manually by using the electronic controls, the user can also rely on default controls provided by the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment 205 based on the user's personal exercise profile if the user does not want to enter any manual inputs. Furthermore, in some examples, any inputs that the user enters into the electronic controls can be logged in the user's personal exercise profile for future reference or settings.

Although various mechanisms and methods described herein relate to magnetic resistance, the methods can also be used with direct contact or other types of resistance mechanisms in exercise equipment. For instance, exercise equipment using direct-contact resistance such as brake pads or friction bands can also be retrofitted with an electronic control system that would control the mechanical aspects of the equipment in accordance with various embodiments described. In particular, the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment 205 can be built with or retrofitted with these mechanical aspects so that resistance can be controlled automatically or remotely using profiles associated with the user.

In the present example, data storage 211 is used to store personal exercise profiles for different users. Each user is associated with a personal identifier that corresponds to a personal exercise profile for the user. Accordingly, each personal exercise profile is stored with information about its associated personal identifier. A personal exercise profile may include information about a preferred workout routine for an associated user and may also include the corresponding settings for a resistance mechanism 209 associated with the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment. A personal exercise profile can also include any number of workout routines that a corresponding user likes to use, including workout history, and any associated settings.

In the present example, the processor 213 performs various actions such as controlling the resistance mechanism 209 in accordance with a chosen workout routine from a personal exercise profile associated with user 235. Specifically, the processor 213 accesses a personal exercise profile associated with the user 211 from data storage 211 and automatically adjusts the resistance mechanism 209 based on a preferred workout routine indicated in the personal exercise profile and corresponding settings for the resistance mechanism 209. When acting under the control of appropriate software or firmware, the processor 213 may also be responsible for such tasks such as optimization. Various specially configured devices can also be used in place of a processor 213 or in addition to processor 213. The complete implementation can also be done in custom hardware.

According to various embodiments, intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment 205 uses memory 215 to store data and program instructions and maintain a local side cache. The program instructions may control the operation of an operating system and/or one or more applications, for example. The memory or memories may also be configured to store received metadata and batch requested metadata. Display 217 can include a touch screen, LCD, LED, or the like. Additionally, bus 219 can include a PCI bus, or the like. Although particular components are shown as part of the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment 205, it should be recognized that some components can be added or omitted in some examples.

Because information and program instructions may be employed to implement the systems/methods described in various embodiments herein, the present invention relates to tangible, machine readable media that include program instructions, state information, etc. for performing various operations described herein. Examples of machine-readable media include hard disks, floppy disks, magnetic tape, optical media such as CD-ROM disks and DVDs; magneto-optical media such as optical disks, and hardware devices that are specially configured to store and perform program instructions, such as read-only memory devices (ROM) and programmable read-only memory devices (PROMs). Examples of program instructions include both machine code, such as produced by a compiler, and files containing higher level code that may be executed by the computer using an interpreter.

With reference to FIG. 3, shown is another example of an intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment system. As shown, intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment 305 identifies the user based on biometric information obtained from the user. The intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment 305 then accesses a personal exercise profile associated with user 335 from data storage 311 and automatically controls resistance mechanism 309 to implement a workout routine for the user 335.

According to various embodiments, the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment 305 includes a biometric identifier 307, resistance mechanism 309, data storage 311, processor 313, memory 315, display 317, and bus 319. These components of intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment 305 operate together to control the resistance mechanism 309 automatically using information stored in a personal exercise profile associated with the user 335 to provide a workout routine for the user. Specifically, various components work together as an automatic detection mechanism that automatically identifies the user without any manual input from the user when the user engages with the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment.

In the present example, biometric identifier 307 is designed to identify a user 335 based on biometric information provided by the user. For instance, physiological characteristics such as a fingerprint, a palm print, an iris, a retina, facial features (e.g. for facial recognition), etc. can be presented by the user 335 to the biometric identifier 307 of the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment 305. The biometric identifier 307 receives the biometric information provided by the user and then identifies the user. For instance, the biometric identifier 307 can retrieve a matching template from a database of stored biometric data to identify the user 335.

According to various embodiments, the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment 305 includes resistance mechanism 309. This resistance mechanism 309 is adjusted to provide the desired difficulty in a workout for the user. In particular embodiments, the resistance mechanism 309 uses magnetic resistance. Specifically, electromagnetic induction is used to provide resistance that can be very smooth and provide continuous resistance. The intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment 305 can be built with or retrofitted with magnetic resistance plates so that resistance can be controlled automatically using profiles associated with the user 335. For instance, various types of exercise equipment such as an exercise bike, elliptical machine, treadmill, weight machine, or the like, can be built with or retrofitted with magnetic resistance plates. For a weight machine, free weights can be replaced with magnetic resistance that can provide the desired amount of weight that the user would like to lift, press, etc.

In some examples, the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment 305 may also include electronic controls that allow the resistance to be set by the user, as is typical of exercise equipment using magnetic resistance. These electronic controls can be included in a control panel on or near the handlebars of the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment 305. Although the user may be able to control and adjust the resistance of the equipment manually by using the electronic controls, the user can also rely on default controls provided by the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment 305 based on the user's personal exercise profile if the user does not want to enter any manual inputs. Furthermore, in some examples, any inputs that the user enters into the electronic controls can be logged in the user's personal exercise profile for future reference or settings.

Although various mechanisms and methods described herein relate to magnetic resistance, the methods can also be used with direct contact or other types of resistance mechanisms in exercise equipment. For instance, exercise equipment using direct-contact resistance such as brake pads or friction bands can also be retrofitted with an electronic control system that would control the mechanical aspects of the equipment in accordance with various embodiments described. In particular, the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment 305 can be built with or retrofitted with these mechanical aspects so that resistance can be controlled automatically or remotely based on a personal exercise profile associated with the user.

In the present example, data storage 311 is used to store personal exercise profiles for different users. Each user is associated with a biometric template that corresponds to a personal exercise profile for the user. Accordingly, each personal exercise profile is stored with biometric information about its associated user. A personal exercise profile may include information about a preferred workout routine for an associated user and may also include the corresponding settings for a resistance mechanism 309 associated with the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment. A personal exercise profile can also include any number of workout routines that a corresponding user likes to use, including workout history, and any associated settings.

In the present example, the processor 313 performs various actions such as controlling the resistance mechanism 309 in accordance with a chosen workout routine from a personal exercise profile associated with user 335. Specifically, the processor 313 accesses a personal exercise profile associated with the user 335 from data storage 311 and automatically adjusts the resistance mechanism 309 based on a preferred workout routine indicated in the personal exercise profile and corresponding settings for the resistance mechanism 309. When acting under the control of appropriate software or firmware, the processor 313 may also be responsible for such tasks such as optimization. Various specially configured devices can also be used in place of a processor 313 or in addition to processor 313. The complete implementation can also be done in custom hardware.

According to various embodiments, intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment 305 uses memory 315 to store data and program instructions and maintain a local side cache. The program instructions may control the operation of an operating system and/or one or more applications, for example. The memory or memories may also be configured to store received metadata and batch requested metadata. Display 317 can include a touch screen, LCD, LED, or the like. Additionally, bus 319 can include a PCI bus, or the like. Although particular components are shown as part of the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment 305, it should be recognized that some components can be added or omitted in some examples.

Because information and program instructions may be employed to implement the systems/methods described in various embodiments herein, the present invention relates to tangible, machine readable media that include program instructions, state information, etc. for performing various operations described herein. Examples of machine-readable media include hard disks, floppy disks, magnetic tape, optical media such as CD-ROM disks and DVDs; magneto-optical media such as optical disks, and hardware devices that are specially configured to store and perform program instructions, such as read-only memory devices (ROM) and programmable read-only memory devices (PROMs). Examples of program instructions include both machine code, such as produced by a compiler, and files containing higher level code that may be executed by the computer using an interpreter.

With reference to FIG. 4, shown is another example of an intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment system. As shown, an intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment 405 identifies the user based using one of the automatic detection mechanisms 425 included. Specifically, the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment 405 can identify a user using a personal device interface 429 that receives information from a personal device, as described with regard to FIG. 1, a proximity sensor 431, as described with regard to FIG. 2, or a biometric identifier 427, as described with regard to FIG. 3. Using information from a personal exercise profile obtained either from data storage 417 or from a personal device, the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment 405 automatically controls resistance mechanism 407 to implement a workout routine for the user.

In the present example, various users 435 may interact with the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment 405 at different times. Some of these users 435 may be associated with personal devices 437, such as mobile devices, smartphones, etc. that can be detected by intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment 405 via personal device interface 429, as described above with regard to FIG. 1. Other users 435 may be associated with personal devices 439, such as wearable devices, bands, fobs, dongles, etc. that can be detected by intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment 405 via proximity sensor 431, as described above with regard to FIG. 2. Yet other users 435 may choose to use biometric inputs to allow intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment 405 to identify them using biometric identifier 427. Accordingly, as shown in the present example, various automatic detection mechanisms 425 can be used to identify users.

As described above with regard to FIGS. 1-3, once a user has been identified, a personal exercise profile for the user is accessed and a preferred workout routine for the user is determined. Based on this preferred workout routine, the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment 405 adjusts resistance mechanism 407 automatically for the user. In particular, if magnetic resistance is used, the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment 405 adjusts the electromagnetic induction for magnetic resistance plates included in the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment 405.

In the present example, intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment 405 includes a resistance mechanism 407, automatic detection mechanisms 425, processor, memory 411, display 413, bus 415, and data storage 417. Each of these components operate as described with regard to the corresponding components in FIGS. 1-3. Although various components are shown in the present embodiment, it should be recognized that certain components can be added or removed without deviating from the scope of this disclosure. For instance, one of the automatic detection mechanisms can be removed.

With reference to FIG. 5, shown is one example of a flow diagram depicting a process for intelligently and automatically adjusting magnetic resistance in exercise equipment for a detected user. The process 500 includes automatically detecting a user at intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment at 502 without requiring any manual input from the user. As described above with regard various examples, intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment can automatically detect and identify a user by using a personal device interface, proximity sensor, and/or biometric identifier, along with other components. Specifically, a personal device interface can be used to receive a signal from a personal device associated with the user and various components of the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment can be used to identify the user. In addition, a proximity sensor can be used to identify the user upon detecting a personal device associated with the user. Furthermore, a biometric identifier can be used to identify the user based on biometric information obtained from the user.

In the present example, the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment then obtains a personal exercise profile associated with the user at 504. As described in various examples above, the personal exercise profile may be received from a personal device in some instances and retrieved from data storage at the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment in other instances. As also described, a personal exercise profile includes information about a preferred workout routine for the user and may also include corresponding settings for a resistance mechanism associated with the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment.

In particular embodiments, exercise options may be presented to the user or a default routine may be selected at 506. For instance, options may be presented to a user based on their workout history or preferred workout routines. In particular examples, the options may include the user's preferred workout routine. Presenting options in this way can help save time for the user, while still providing choices for the user. In other instances, a default routine can be selected for the user without requesting any input from the user. Specifically, a preferred workout routine saved in the user's personal exercise profile may be chosen as the default routine. This provides a way for the user to begin a workout quickly and efficiently.

Next, in some examples, input is received at 508 to start a workout session. In particular, if a user is presented with workout options, the input from the user is received in this step. If a default routine is selected by the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment, then this step is not necessary and can be omitted in some applications. In other applications, even if a default routine is selected, the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment may still present a prompt to the user to confirm that they would like to begin their session. Once the user confirms, such as by a single touch of a button, the workout routine begins.

In the present example, the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment automatically adjusts the resistance mechanism based on the workout routine selected for the user at 510. If the resistance mechanism uses magnetic resistance, then electromagnetic induction provides resistance and braking for the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment. In this instance, the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment automatically adjusts the resistance mechanism by adjusting the electromagnetic induction based on the preferred workout routine. Similarly, if another form of resistance mechanism is used, such as a frictional resistance mechanism, the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment can automatically adjust the resistance mechanism by adjusting the amount of contact or friction applied to the wheel or other mechanism employed by the apparatus.

According to various embodiments, an option can be provided to allow the user to change the settings. For instance, the user may want to change the type or the difficulty of a current workout routine. This feature is particularly useful if a default routine has been selected for the user and the user would like to change the workout routine from time to time. Specifically, a user may enter an input to change the preferred workout routine (or other selected routine) to an alternative workout routine.

If a request to change the current workout or any settings in the workout is made, then this information is saved to the user's personal exercise profile at 514 and the resistance mechanism is then automatically adjusted to reflect the new workout routine and/or settings selected at 510. If no request to change the workout or any settings is made, then a query is made whether any input has been received to end the workout session at 516. For instance, such input can include the user explicitly selecting an option to end the workout session or a determination can be made that a particular workout routine has ended without any indication from the user to continue. If no input to end the session is received, then the process continues and the selected workout routine continues. If an input to end the session is received, then the workout session is stopped and the process ends.

While the present disclosure has been particularly shown and described with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that changes in the form and details of the disclosed embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Specifically, there are many alternative ways of implementing the processes, systems, and apparatuses described. It is therefore intended that the invention be interpreted to include all variations and equivalents that fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention. Moreover, although particular features have been described as part of each example, any combination of these features or additions of other features are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure. Accordingly, the embodiments described herein are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

1. A weight resistance machine comprising:

an intelligent variable weight resistance mechanism configured to vary the amount of weight resistance applied for a user during a weight training exercise;
a display configured to provide an indicator of an amount of weight resistance applied;
data storage configured to maintain a plurality of exercise profiles; and
a processor configured to automatically adjust the intelligent variable weight resistance mechanism based on a selected exercise profile during the weight training exercise.

2. The weight resistance machine of claim 1, wherein the intelligent variable weight resistance mechanism comprises a magnetic plate configured to apply a magnetic force corresponding to a gravitational force associated with a particular weight selected by the user.

3. The weight resistance machine of claim 2, wherein the selected exercise profile is identified using a mobile device associated with the user.

4. The weight resistance machine of claim 1, wherein the mobile device is a wearable mobile device.

5. The weight resistance machine of claim 1, wherein the intelligent variable weight resistance mechanisms comprises a plurality of magnetic coils configured to a apply a magnetic force corresponding to a gravitational force associated with a particular weight selected by the user.

6. The weight resistance machine of claim 1, wherein the weight resistance machine automatically varies the weight resistance based on a profile associated with the mobile device of the user.

7. The weight resistance machine of claim 1, wherein the weight resistance machine is a weight lifting machine.

8. The weight resistance machine of claim 1, wherein the weight resistance is applied along cables connected a handle bar for the user.

7. A system comprising:

an automatic detection mechanism associated with an intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment that automatically identifies a user, without any manual input from the user, when the user engages with the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment, wherein the automatic detection mechanism includes a personal device interface that receives a personal exercise profile associated with the user, the personal exercise profile including information about a preferred workout routine for the user and corresponding settings for a resistance mechanism associated with the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment; and
a processor that automatically adjusts the resistance mechanism associated with the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment based on the preferred workout routine for the user and corresponding settings for the resistance mechanism associated with the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the personal device interface receives a signal from a personal device associated with the user, wherein the signal is used by the processor to identify the user.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the signal is sent when the user is in proximity to the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment.

10. The system of claim 8, wherein the signal is sent remotely to the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment.

11. The system of claim 7, wherein the resistance mechanism uses electromagnetic induction to provide resistance and braking for the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment, and wherein the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment is a weight machine.

12. A method comprising:

automatically detecting a user at an intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment, wherein detecting the user includes identifying the user without any manual input from the user;
retrieving a personal exercise profile associated with the user, wherein the personal exercise profile includes information about a preferred workout routine for the user and corresponding settings for a resistance mechanism associated with the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment; and
automatically adjusting the resistance mechanism associated with the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment based on the preferred workout routine for the user.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein automatically detecting the user includes using a proximity sensor to identify the user upon detecting a personal device associated with the user.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein automatically detecting the user includes identifying the user based on biometric information obtained from the user.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein automatically detecting the user includes receiving a signal from a personal device associated with the user.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein the resistance mechanism uses electromagnetic induction to provide resistance and braking for the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment, wherein automatically adjusting the resistance mechanism includes adjusting the electromagnetic induction based on the preferred workout routine, and wherein the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment is a weight machine.

17. The method of claim 12, further comprising providing the user with exercise options, wherein the exercise options include the preferred workout routine.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising receiving input to start a workout session once the user has selected an exercise option.

19. The method of claim 12, further comprising receiving an input to change the preferred workout routine to an alternative workout routine, and automatically adjusting the resistance mechanism associated with the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment based on the alternative workout routine.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising saving the alternative workout routine to the personal exercise profile associated with the user.

Patent History
Publication number: 20180078821
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 22, 2016
Publication Date: Mar 22, 2018
Inventors: Anantha Pradeep (Piedmont, CA), Tarek Zohdi (Piedmont, CA), Roberto Horowitz (Piedmont, CA)
Application Number: 15/272,496
Classifications
International Classification: A63B 24/00 (20060101); A63B 71/06 (20060101); A63B 21/00 (20060101); A63B 21/06 (20060101); A63B 21/005 (20060101); A63B 22/06 (20060101); A63B 22/02 (20060101);