Exercise machine with adaptive interface

Abstract

An exercise machine with an adaptive interface comprises: a processing unit (7) for managing and controlling the machine; sensor means (9) for transferring information about the machine operating state to the processing unit (7); a user interface (10) equipped with means (11) for displaying the machine current operating state; manual control means (12) for the machine functions; optimization means (19), controlled by the processing unit (7) and designed to modify the display means (11) and the manual control means (12) when there are variations in at least one machine operating parameter detected by the sensor means (9).

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to an exercise machine with an adaptive interface.[0002]Modern exercise machines for performing aerobic type exercises, such as treadmills, exercise bicycles, elliptical movement machines, rowing machines and the like, are equipped with interactive interfaces which allow the checking of the parameters relating to the exercise being performed (time, distance covered, calories used, and others) as well as allowing management of these parameters using active controls, so that the exercise is performed in the desired ways, if necessary preset by the use or his trainer.[0003]Nowadays such interfaces preferably consist of a “touch screen” display, which forms a surface in which there are both “virtual” push-buttons for actively controlling machine functions and, where required by the user, entertainment elements such as television programs, films selected by the user, or other items.[0004]In practice, it was found that the pri...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]The technical purpose of the present invention is therefore to overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages, by providing an exercise machine with an adaptive interface which allows the user to keep his gaze on the display while exercising, even with moving images, without feeling troublesome sensations and without risking loss of balance, in particular if the exercise machine is a treadmill.

Problems solved by technology

In practice, it was found that the prior art interactive interfaces are not without disadvantages, particularly when the above-mentioned exercise is performed on a treadmill.

These two conditions induce or promote neuromotor reflexes which, acting on the symmetry of the step action tend to alter the balance, causing the user to knock his arms against the treadmill lateral handgrips, or his feet against the guards at the sides of the belt.

Said situation may even involve a risk of falling, with possible injury to the subject.

Compensating adjustment by the eye muscles so as to keep the image fixed on the retina may therefore be insufficient.

At higher running speeds a user will have greater difficulty clearly perceiving the image on the display.

In addition, as the speed and therefore the frequency of body oscillations increase, it is more difficult to use one's fingers to precisely operate the machine control push-buttons located on the display.

Said partial solution to the problem is no longer acceptable.

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