Method, a computer program, and device for controlling a movable resistance element in a training device

• US 8,360,935 B2
• Filed: 10/12/2006
• Issued: 01/29/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 10/12/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Sensyact AB
• Original Assignee: Sensyact AB
• Inventors: Olsen, Ole, hman, Rolf
• Primary Examiner(s): RICHMAN, GLENN E
• Application Number:
  US12/083,554
• Publication Number:
  US 20100069202A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,301 Days
• Field of Search: 482 1- 9, 482900-902, 434/247, 434/254
• US Class Current: 482/5
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0068 Comparison to target or threshold, previous performance or not real time comparison to other individuals
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0093 the load of the exercise apparatus being controlled by performance parameters, e.g. distance or speed
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0058 using motors
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/4043 Free movement, i.e. the only restriction coming from the resistance A63B21/00043, A63B21/072 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/10 Positions
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/30 Speed
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/40 Acceleration
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/51 Force
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/15 with identification means that can be read by electronic means
• 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 24/0062 Monitoring athletic performances, e.g. for determining the work of a user on an exercise apparatus, the completed jogging or cycling distance
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0087 Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of groups A63B21/00 - A63B23/00, e.g. controlling load

Abstract

A method for controlling a movable resistance element belonging to a training device. The resistance element is influenced by a user with a muscular force. A device is adapted to generate a reference signal for controlling a power conversion device coupled to and controlling a movable resistance element belonging to a training device, and which is influenced by a user with a muscular force. A computer program for carrying out the method and a use of the device.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a movable resistance element belonging to a training device when a user exercises with the training device, the resistance element being adapted to be influenced by the user with a muscular force, the method comprising:

receiving a signal comprising information on the muscular force with which the user influences the resistance element,

calculating and generating a reference signal, based on the received muscular force signal and a mathematical model for the response of the resistance element, and

controlling a power conversion device based on the reference signal, the power conversion device being coupled to and controlling the movable resistance element, so that the user experiences a desired resistance when influencing the resistance element.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

sequentially receiving new values for said muscular force signal throughout the exercise, and

sequentially recalculating and generating new reference signals based on the new values of the muscular force signal, in order to control the power conversion device and the resistance element throughout the exercise.

3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

receiving a new value for said muscular force signal within at least 30 ms from a previously received muscular force signal.

4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

continuously recalculating and generating said reference signal based on the most recently received muscular force signal in order to control the power conversion device.

5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

measuring said muscular force with a force sensor.

6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

controlling a power conversion device comprising an electrical engine coupled to and arranged to influence the resistance element with an engine force.

7. The method according to claim 1 wherein said reference signal comprises information on a desired movement speed for the resistance element.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein said reference signal is calculated based on a mathematical model comprising information on at least two different resistance levels, and wherein the power conversion device is controlled so that the user experiences a first resistance level during a first part of a movement cycle, and a second resistance level during a second part of the movement cycle.

9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising:

determining whether the muscle of the user is in a concentric or eccentric work phase, and

controlling the power conversion device, so that the user experiences a first resistance level during the concentric work phase and a second, higher resistance level during the eccentric work phase.

10. The method according to claim 1 wherein the mathematical model comprises a mathematical model of a weight moving in a gravitational field.

11. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

evaluating the condition of the muscle of the user based on the received muscle force signal by comparing the muscle force signal with muscle force information stored in a diagnostic data base.

12. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

generating a feed-back signal to the user during the movement of the resistance element.

13. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

receiving an identity of the user, and

selecting a mathematical model based on the received identity.