USER INTERFACE METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING EXERCISE APPARATUS

• US 20080242511A1
• Filed: 03/26/2007
• Published: 10/02/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 03/26/2007
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
• Original Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
• Inventors: Short, Kevin, Oglesby, Gary E., Hough, Jack B., Munoz, Raul, Ward, Steven Wain
• Application Number:
  US11/691,227
• Publication Number:
  US 20080242511A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 482/5
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/065 Visualisation of specific exercise parameters
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0658 Position or arrangement of display
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0675 Input for modifying training controls during workout
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0694 Visual indication, e.g. Indicia
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0023 the inclination of the main axis of the movement path being adjustable, e.g. the inclination of an endless band
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/02 with movable endless bands , e.g. treadmills other training appliances for running on the spot A63B69/0028
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0242 with speed variation
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/15 with identification means that can be read by electronic means
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/50 Wireless data transmission, e.g. by radio transmitters or telemetry
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/00 Measuring physiological parameters of the user
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/01 User's weight
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/062 used as a control parameter for the apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/065 within a certain range
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/00 Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/0619 Displays, user interfaces and indicating devices, specially adapted for sport equipment, e.g. display mounted on treadmills

Abstract

User interface methods and apparatus for controlling exercise apparatus are disclosed. An example user interface includes an exercise parameter input and an indicator associated with the exercise parameter input, and a control unit to activate the indicator in response to a training routine to prompt a user of the exercise apparatus to adjust an operation of the exercise apparatus via the exercise parameter input.

Claims

1. An exercise apparatus comprising:

a user interface having an exercise parameter input and an indicator associated with the exercise parameter input; and

a control unit to activate the indicator in response to a training routine to prompt a user of the exercise apparatus to adjust an operation of the exercise apparatus via the exercise parameter input.

2. An exercise apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the user interface is an activity console located in a forward central portion of the exercise apparatus.

3. An exercise apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the exercise parameter input comprises at least one of an incline setting, a speed setting, or a resistance setting.

4. An exercise apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the indicator comprises at least one of one or more light bulbs, one or more light emitting diodes, a cathode ray tube (CRT), or a liquid crystal display (LCD).

5. An exercise apparatus as defined in claim 4, wherein the control unit is to generate a display of at least one of a shape or a color for the indicator and to generate the display of the indicator on at least one of the CRT or the LCD.

6. An exercise apparatus as defined in claim 5, wherein the indicator is displayed as a graphic overlay with the exercise parameter input.

7. An exercise apparatus as defined in claim 6, further comprising a touch-screen for user activation of the exercise parameter input.

8. An exercise apparatus as defined in claim 4, wherein the control unit is to generate a display of the exercise parameter input on at least one of the CRT or the LCD.

9. An exercise apparatus as defined in claim 8, wherein the CRT or the LCD includes a touch-screen.

10. An exercise apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the indicator is proximate the exercise parameter input.

11. An exercise apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the exercise parameter input comprises at least one of a toggle switch, a toggle lever, a trackball, or a touch-screen.

12. An exercise apparatus as defined in claim 11, wherein the exercise parameter input operates via gross motor movements by the user.

13. An exercise apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the exercise apparatus is at least one of a treadmill, an elliptical trainer, a climber, a stepper, a stationary bicycle, or a rower.

14. An exercise apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the exercise parameter input is positioned on the user interface to be approximately aligned with a forward central portion of the exercise apparatus.

15. An exercise apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the indicator comprises at least one arrow-shaped portion.

16. A method to control an exercise apparatus comprising:

automatically receiving a signal from a training routine indicative of a desired exercise parameter adjustment;

activating an indicator in response to the signal; and

determining if an exercise parameter input is activated by a user of the exercise apparatus in response to activation of the indicator.

17. A method to control an exercise apparatus as defined in claim 16, wherein the signal is associated with at least one of a change in incline, a change in speed, or a change in resistance.

18. A method to control an exercise apparatus as defined in claim 16, wherein activating the indicator comprises causing the indicator to illuminate.

19. A method to control an exercise apparatus as defined in claim 16, further comprising executing the desired exercise parameter adjustment when the exercise parameter input is activated.

20. An article of manufacture storing machine readable instructions which, when executed, cause a machine to:

automatically receive a signal from a training routine indicative of a desired exercise parameter adjustment;

activate an indicator in response to the signal; and

determine if an exercise parameter input is activated by a user of the exercise apparatus in response to activation of the indicator.

21. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 20, wherein the machine readable instructions, when executed, cause the machine to receive the signal of at least one of an incline change, a speed change, or a resistance change.

22. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 20, wherein the machine readable instructions, when executed, cause the machine to illuminate the indicator.

23. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 20, wherein the machine readable instructions, when executed, cause the machine to execute the desired exercise parameter adjustment when the exercise parameter input is activated.