Integrated Exercise Device Environment Controller

Abstract

An exercise environment controller is integrated into an exercise device and being usable to adjust one or more environmental parameters relative to an exercise device environment. The integrated exercise environment controller includes an input interface that receives environmental inputs from a user of the exercise device, an environment sensor that detects current environment parameters of the exercise device's environment, and a communication module connected to the input interface and the environment sensor that communicates a control command to a home automation device that regulates climate for at least the exercise device environment.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 621,119 filed Apr. 6, 2012.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]This disclosure relates generally to systems, methods, and devices for exercise. More particularly, the disclosure relates to an exercise environment controller which can be used to control the environments surrounding an exercise device.BACKGROUND[0003]Exercise devices are used all over the world. Individuals use exercise devices to relieve stress, improve their health and increase their fitness level. Many exercise devices are used when an individual's schedule or inclement weather prohibits the individual from exercising outdoors. Additionally, some exercise devices, such as treadmills, are used to train for competitions. For instance, distance runners often use treadmills to train for upcoming races. Such training allows the individual to conveniently monitor various aspects of their performance (e.g., pace, s...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0030]In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the exercise device further includes a display that displays status data regarding one or more aspects of home automation including at least one of the following: home security, home lighting and home appliance control.

[0031]In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, a method for controlling a home automation system using an integrated exercise environment controller includes running an exercise program on an exercise device, wherein the exercise program controls the one or more operating parameters of the exercise device, and wherein the exercise program is initiated via a user input mechanism on the exercise device.

[0032]In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, a method for controlling a home automation system using an integrated exercise environment controller includes receiving at least one of the following: user input indicating a desired change in exercise device environment and environment sensor input indicating one or more current workout parameters.

[0033]In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, a method for controlling a home automation system using an integrated exercise environment controller includes transmitting a control command from the integrated exercise environment controller to the home automation system to control the exercise device environment based on at least one of the received user input and the received environment sensor input.

Problems solved by technology

While treadmills can be useful in exercising and training for a race, indoor training is often uncomfortably warm or cool.

For example, a cool room may be too cool when a user begins their exercise, but then becomes too warm during their exercise.

These variances in temperature can have a negative impact on the individual's exercise performance.

For instance, it may be difficult for an individual to maintain their pace and / or form when the environment is uncomfortably warm or cool.

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