User detection for exercise equipment

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure include a user detection system for exercise equipment, such as a treadmill. In an embodiment, a sensor monitors displacement between a deck supporting a moveable treadmill belt and aspects of a treadmill frame. As users interact with the treadmill, a processor uses a sensor signal indicative of the displacement to determine whether a user has mounted the treadmill belt.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]Aspects of the present disclosure relate to the field of exercise machines. More specifically, the invention relates to exercise machines having user detection features.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]Commercially available residential and industrial exercise machines are popular with many individuals who want to enjoy cardiovascular exercise to lose weight, obtain or maintain fitness, and the like. Treadmills are one example, and nearly all treadmills have a kill function designed to stop the machine in an emergency situation, often implemented through a user tether or user accessible button. However, there remains a need to be able to detect the presence or absence of a user. Some manufacturers employ an infrared emitter and detector. Often the emitter emits radiation aimed at the approximate location of a user's chest, and the detector detects reflected radiation when a user is present. However, such a system can include...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]Accurate and consistent user detection with exercise equipment is important for a variety of reasons. For example, it is advantageous to be able to stop a machine in an emergency situation, such as if a user falls off the machine, cannot reach a kill switch mechanism, the user leaves a machine running, or the like. A particularly problematic issue occurs when a user wants to rest, stretch or otherwise stop exercising for a short time but leaves the belt running at speed. In such situations, it is advantageous to alert the user to reengage or halt the belt movement. Additionally, an accurate detection of force and / or cadence of a user's footfalls on a treadmill can help diagnose and correct running or walking form issues, such as to help prevent or reduce injuries or to train or retrain a person to walk. Such a system can also help control workouts, aid in rehabilitation settings, and the like.

Problems solved by technology

However, such a system can include inaccuracies.

For example, lighting conditions where the machine is located may saturate or confuse the detector; the color and material of a user's clothes may similarly confuse the detector or the like.

There are limitations to such a solution, however, including the need for the belt to be moving.

Moreover, as the incline of a treadmill increases, there is less or no load change to detect, which will generally affect the accuracy of the user detection.

A particularly problematic issue occurs when a user wants to rest, stretch or otherwise stop exercising for a short time but leaves the belt running at speed.

As a user walks, runs, or even simply shifts his or her weight on the treadmill, the user will change weight on the deck, causing the flexible rubber rails to flex.

Images