Tactile exercise mat

Abstract

The present invention relates to a tactile exercise mat (1) and a method of operating it. The tactile exercise mat comprises a plurality of actuators (2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 30, 31) distributed therein and a controller adapted to control the plurality of actuators. The controller is adapted to access predefined actuator configurations defining exercise configurations and to control the actuators in accordance with the predefined actuator configurations. In an advantageous embodiment, the controller is communicatively connected to one or more sensors for sensing the actual movement of the user.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to an exercise mat and to a method of operating the mat; more particularly, to a tactile exercise mat comprising controllable actuators.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]It is generally accepted that exercising has a positive impact on health and well-being. Nevertheless, in spite of the availability of many exercise tools and facilities, many people worldwide still fail to exercise at a level that is recommended to maintain a good physical fitness level. In fact, many people do not know exactly how to exercise, which exercises to do, in which order these exercises can best be done, how many repetitions are effective, how fast the repetitions need to be done, etc.[0003]Several solutions for getting guidance and feedback during exercising are available today. One way is to hire a personal trainer, which may not be the most cost-effective and flexible solution. Another way is to use a system that guides the user in doing exercis...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]The tactile exercise mat according to the present invention adds the functionality of tactile stimulation to a conventional exercise mat, by use of an arrangement of actuators distributed therein. Such functionality provides guidance to users throughout an exercise without the need for any outside assistance. Moreover, the guidance is provided in a way so there no need for the user to place the head or other body parts in a position which may counteract the performance of the exercise.

Problems solved by technology

Nevertheless, in spite of the availability of many exercise tools and facilities, many people worldwide still fail to exercise at a level that is recommended to maintain a good physical fitness level.

In fact, many people do not know exactly how to exercise, which exercises to do, in which order these exercises can best be done, how many repetitions are effective, how fast the repetitions need to be done, etc.

One way is to hire a personal trainer, which may not be the most cost-effective and flexible solution.

The disadvantage of systems that only use video means is that the user has to watch a screen, which, depending on the position of the latter, may lead to undesired body postures for many exercises.

The disadvantage of systems that only use audio means, instead, is that the user has to convert the instructions heard into movements of specific body parts.

Other disadvantages of audio-based systems is that other people nearby may be disturbed or that the user has to wear a head-set.

Nevertheless, this solution still falls back to the afore-mentioned disadvantages for exercises during which the user does not face the exercise mat and therefore is not able to appropriately follow the instructions provided thereon.

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