Method and apparatus for managing sports equipment

Abstract

A sports management method and a server thereof are provided. The sports management method includes receiving a notification that a first sports device of a plurality of sports devices has been set to a sports mode, and setting a second sports device disposed within a predetermined distance from the first sports device of the plurality of sports devices to a lock mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to methods and devices for managing sports equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Recently, with the growing attention given to the concept of work-life balance, there has been an increasing trend in personal lifestyle spending, such as exercising after get off work, on weekends, or during leisure time. As part of work-life balance, users' demand for personal health management is also increasing. In order to improve their quality of life by investing limited time, more and more people are participating in various sports such as swimming, fitness, personal training (PT), golf, and Pilates.

[0003] Furthermore, due to infectious diseases and other reasons, the need to limit the number of people entering and leaving fitness centers has become apparent. In addition, with the requirement to maintain social distancing, the necessity for users to exercise at a predetermined distance has become apparent. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Technical issues

[0005] This disclosure provides a method and system for managing sports equipment that allows users to maintain a predetermined distance while exercising.

[0006] Technical solution

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for managing sports devices executed by a server for managing multiple sports devices includes the following steps: receiving a notification from a first sports device among the multiple sports devices that it has been set to a sports mode; and setting a second sports device located at a predetermined distance from the first sports device among the multiple sports devices to a lock mode.

[0008] Furthermore, the method may further include: receiving a second notification from the first exercise device indicating that the exercise mode has ended; and resetting the mode of the second exercise device to a standby mode or a locked mode based on the modes of surrounding exercise devices arranged within a predetermined distance from the second exercise device.

[0009] In addition, the step of resetting the second motion device includes: when at least one of the surrounding motion devices is in motion mode, the mode of the second motion device can be reset to lock mode; when the surrounding motion devices are in lock mode or standby mode, the mode of the second motion device can be reset to standby mode.

[0010] Furthermore, the method may further include: resetting the mode of the first sports device to a standby mode or a locked mode based on the mode of surrounding sports devices arranged at a predetermined distance from the first sports device.

[0011] In addition, the step of resetting the mode of the first motion device may include: when the motion mode time of the first motion device is greater than or equal to the first reference time, setting the mode of the first motion device to a locked mode.

[0012] Furthermore, the method may further include: when the setting time of the locking mode exceeds the second reference time, resetting the mode of the first motion device to standby mode or locking mode.

[0013] Furthermore, the method may further include: when a motion device guidance request is received from an external device, identifying any one of the motion devices in standby mode as the motion device to be guided.

[0014] Furthermore, the method may further include: when there are multiple motion devices in standby mode, determining the motion device to be guided based on the pattern of surrounding motion devices arranged within a predetermined distance from the motion devices in standby mode.

[0015] In addition, the method may include: when there are multiple motion devices in standby mode, identifying the motion device with the largest number of surrounding motion devices in locked mode as the motion device to be guided.

[0016] Furthermore, the method may further include transmitting relevant information about the motion device to be guided to the external device.

[0017] Furthermore, the method may further include: requesting the motion device to be guided to output a guidance indicator.

[0018] In addition, the exercise equipment may include at least one of aerobic exercise equipment and anaerobic exercise equipment.

[0019] In another embodiment, a server is used to manage multiple sports devices. The server includes: a communication unit for communicating with the multiple sports devices; and a processor that, when receiving a notification from a first sports device among the multiple sports devices that it has been set to a sports mode, sets a second sports device arranged within a predetermined distance of the first sports device among the multiple sports devices to a locked mode.

[0020] Furthermore, the processor may be configured to: when receiving a second notification from the first motion device indicating that the exercise has ended, reset the mode of the second motion device to standby mode or locked mode based on the mode of surrounding motion devices arranged within a predetermined distance from the second motion device.

[0021] Furthermore, the processor can be configured to: when the surrounding motion device is in motion mode, set the mode of the second motion device to lock mode; when the surrounding motion device is in lock mode or standby mode, reset the mode of the second motion device to standby mode.

[0022] Furthermore, the processor may be configured to reset the mode of the first motion device to standby mode or locked mode based on the mode of surrounding motion devices arranged at a predetermined distance from the first motion device.

[0023] Furthermore, when the motion mode time of the first motion device is greater than or equal to the first reference time, the processor can set the mode of the first motion device to a locked mode.

[0024] Beneficial effects

[0025] By controlling the modes of the exercise equipment, users can exercise at predetermined distances.

[0026] By controlling the mode of the motion equipment, the motion equipment can be guided to operate evenly. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a sports equipment management system according to one embodiment.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of a management server according to one embodiment.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a block diagram of a sports device according to one embodiment.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the external shape of a sports device according to one embodiment.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a reference figure used to illustrate a method for setting a mode of a sports device according to an embodiment.

[0032] Figures 6a to 6d This is a reference diagram used to illustrate the method of managing sports equipment modes by the management server.

[0033] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for determining a motion device mode according to another embodiment.

[0034] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a motion device that maintains a locked mode according to an embodiment.

[0035] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating a guidance method for a motion device according to an embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0036] In view of its function in this invention, the terminology used herein has been selected as widely used general terms as much as possible. However, the terminology used herein may vary depending on the intent of those skilled in the art, precedents, or the emergence of new technologies. Furthermore, in certain cases, terms arbitrarily chosen by the applicant may also be included; in such cases, their meanings will be explained in detail in the descriptive section of this invention. Therefore, the terminology used in this invention is not simply a name, but should be defined based on its meaning and the overall content of this invention.

[0037] Terms such as “first” and “second” can be used to describe various constituent elements, but constituent elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one constituent element from another.

[0038] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a sports equipment management system 1 according to an embodiment. (Refer to...) Figure 1 System 1 may include a management server 10, an input / output terminal 20, a sports device 30, a user terminal 40, and an administrator terminal 50, all connected to a network. Furthermore, System 1 may further include a settlement server and a content server connected to the management server 10.

[0039] Networks can be implemented in various types of wired and wireless networks, such as Local Area Networks (LANs), Wide Area Networks (WANs), Value Added Networks (VANs), Personal Area Networks (PANs), mobile radio communication networks, or satellite communication networks.

[0040] The management server 10 connects to the input / output terminal 20, user terminal 40, and administrator terminal 50 via a network to receive and send data. Based on the request of the administrator terminal 50, it stores the user's exercise plan, exercise program list, etc., and stores the user's exercise results based on information received from the user terminal 40 or exercise equipment 30. Based on the request of the administrator terminal 50 or user terminal 40, it can also provide the exercise results to the administrator terminal 50 or user terminal 40.

[0041] In addition, the management server 10 can control the exercise equipment 30 of the fitness center based on the request of the user terminal 40, or generate corresponding exercise records and calorie information corresponding to the exercise results received from the exercise equipment 30.

[0042] Input / output terminal 20 is a terminal located in the fitness center and used to manage user entry and exit. When input / output terminal 20 receives an entry request from user terminal 40, it determines whether the user can enter based on information received from management server 10 (i.e., whether the user is registered, the fitness center's capacity, whether the user has made a reservation, etc.), and transmits the result to management server 10 or user terminal 40. In addition, input / output terminal 20 can not only provide entry permission, but also provide the user who made the entry request with information related to the exercise equipment 30 to be used.

[0043] The exercise device 30 may include an exercise body, which may be embodied as a weight training device or a treadmill, and operates based on the user's movements. Furthermore, under the control of the management server 10, the exercise device 30 can provide exercise guidance to the user and transmit the user's exercise results to the management server 10. The exercise device 30 can be set to various modes under the operation of the user or the control of the management server 10.

[0044] User terminal 40, registered with management server 10 for receiving sports management services, is a terminal that receives and transmits data by accessing management server 10, input / output terminal 20, and sports equipment 30 via wired or wireless networks. User terminal 40 can be a smartphone, personal computer (PC), tablet PC, laptop, smart TV, mobile phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), laptop computer, multi-media player, micro-management server 10, global positioning system (GPS) device, e-book terminal, digital broadcasting terminal, navigator, digital camera, wearable device and other mobile devices, non-mobile computing devices, and smart bracelets, but the present invention is not limited thereto. User terminal 40 can refer to a terminal owned by a user for receiving sports management services, or it can be any terminal used by a registered user to access management server 10 and log in.

[0045] Administrator terminal 50, registered with management server 10 for providing sports management services, is a terminal that accesses management server 10 via wired or wireless network and is capable of receiving and transmitting data. Administrator terminal 50 can be a smartphone, PC, tablet PC, laptop, smart TV, mobile phone, PDA, laptop computer, multi-media player, micro-management server 10, GPS device, e-book terminal, digital broadcasting terminal, navigator, digital camera, wearable device and other mobile devices, non-mobile computing devices, and smart bracelets, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Administrator terminal 50 can refer to a terminal owned by an individual registered with management server 10 as an administrator, or it can refer to any terminal used by a registered administrator to access and log in to management server 10.

[0046] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of a management server 10 according to one embodiment. (Refer to...) Figure 2The management server 10 includes: a first communication unit 110, which communicates with external terminals (e.g., input / output terminal 20, exercise equipment 30, user terminal 40, and administrator terminal 50) via a network; a database 120, which stores information related to users' exercise programs, users' exercise history, fitness center access lists, and the modes of exercise equipment 30; a first user interface 130, which receives user commands from administrators of the management server 10; a first output unit 140, which displays or informs users of the fitness center's status; and a first processor 150, which executes the overall functions of the management server 20. The first processor 150 generates users' exercise programs or the usage status of the management center based on requests from the administrator terminal 50, and can also set the modes of exercise equipment 30.

[0047] Although not shown in the figure, the input / output terminal 20, the administrator terminal 50, and the user terminal 40 may also include a communication unit, a storage unit, a user interface, and a processor.

[0048] Figure 3 This is a block diagram of an exercise device 30 according to one embodiment. The exercise device 30 according to one embodiment can be an aerobic exercise device or an anaerobic exercise device. For example, the exercise device 30 can be an aerobic exercise device, such as a treadmill, bicycle, elliptical trainer, step exercise equipment, etc., or it can be an anaerobic exercise device, such as a chest press machine, shoulder press machine, biceps curl machine, seated rowing machine, assisted pull-up machine, leg curl machine, leg extension machine, leg press machine, leg inward bend machine, leg outward bend machine, full hip joint trainer, torso back extension trainer, abdominal trainer, etc.

[0049] The motion device 30 may include a motion body 210, a sensor 220, a second communication unit 230, a memory 240, a second user interface 250, a second output unit 270, and a second processor 280.

[0050] The motion body 210 is a physical motion device that moves based on the user's movement. According to one example, the motion body 210 can increase, decrease, or maintain the load based on a set motion level. The motion body 210 can have various forms depending on the type of motion device 30.

[0051] Sensor 220 can sense the motion of the constituent elements included in the moving body 210 and transmit the result to the second processor 280. Sensor 220 may include laser sensor 220, motion sensor, gyroscope sensor, etc.

[0052] The second communication unit 240 can communicate with external devices (e.g., management server 10, input / output terminal 20, other motion equipment 30, user terminal 40, and administrator terminal 50). The second communication unit 240 can communicate with the management server 10 through various types of wired or wireless networks, such as local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), value-added networks (VANs), personal area networks (PANs), mobile radio communication networks, or satellite communication networks. Furthermore, the second communication unit 240 can communicate with the input / output terminal 20, user terminal 40, and administrator terminal 50 using short-range communication networks such as local area networks (LANs) and personal area networks (PANs). This prevents external devices other than the management server 10 from controlling the motion equipment 30. However, the invention is not limited to this. Depending on the circumstances, the second communication unit 240 can also communicate with the administrator terminal 50 over long distances.

[0053] The memory 250 may store various information for use by at least one component (such as the second processor 280 or sensor 220) included in the motion device 30. The information may include, for example, input or output data of software (such as a program) and its associated commands. The memory 250 may be volatile or non-volatile. As an example, the memory 250 may include a predetermined range of motion or critical range of motion based on user information.

[0054] The second user interface 250 can receive commands or data to be used in the motion device 30 from outside the device (e.g., from a user). The second user interface 250 may include, for example, a microphone, mouse, keyboard, electronic tag, or digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen). As an example, the user can input user information through the second user interface 250. For example, user information may include at least one of the user's name, age, gender, height, weight, and exercise experience.

[0055] The second output unit 270 can provide output information. According to one example, the output information may be user information, user movement information, or information for guiding user movement. As an example, the second output unit 270 may include a display for displaying the output information. Furthermore, the second output unit 270 may be physically or electrically connected to the motion body 210. For example, the display may be mounted on the frame structure of the motion body 210. However, the invention is not limited to this; by including the second communication unit 230, even if the display 60 and the motion body 210 are arranged at an interval, a connection can be formed to receive preset signals from the motion body 210.

[0056] The second processor 280 can perform overall control of the motion device 30 and can also control the second communication unit 240 to achieve communication with external devices. The second processor 280 can, for example, control at least one other component (such as a hardware or software component) connected to it by executing software (such as a program), and can perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or operation, the second processor 280 can load commands or data received from other components (such as sensor 220 or second communication unit 230) into volatile memory in memory 250, process the commands or data stored in volatile memory, and store the result data in non-volatile memory. The functions of the second processor 280 will be described in detail later.

[0057] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the external shape of a motion device 30 according to an embodiment. Figure 4 The motion body 210 shown in the figure may include a counterweight device. According to one example, the motion body 210 may include a load application unit 211 that increases, decreases, or maintains the load according to a set motion level, a user operation unit 212, and a load transmission unit 213.

[0058] like Figure 4 As shown, the load application unit 211 according to one example can be implemented as a mechanical structure and may include multiple counterweights 214. In this case, by adjusting the number of multiple counterweights 214 moving along a preset direction, the load application unit 211 can increase, decrease, or maintain the load based on a set motion level.

[0059] However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. The load application unit 211 according to one example can also be implemented as an electrical structure. In this case, the load application unit 211 may have an electric motor, and the load may be increased, decreased, or maintained based on a control signal applied to the electric motor.

[0060] According to one example, the user operating unit 212 can move along with the user's movement. In this specification, the user operating unit 212 can be defined as any component that can be supported by the user and move along with the user during resistance to weight-bearing movements. As an example, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the user operation unit 212 can be implemented as a handle for the user to hold. Furthermore, if the exercise device 30 according to one embodiment is used for leg exercises, the user operation unit 212 can also be implemented as a leg support member that supports the user's legs and moves together with them.

[0061] Furthermore, the user operation unit 212 can move along a preset direction based on the user's movement. The preset direction can be the direction of gravity or the direction opposite to gravity. However, the preset direction is not limited to this and can be tilted relative to the direction of gravity. For example, the preset direction can be tilted by less than 45 degrees relative to the direction of gravity and the direction opposite to gravity, respectively. In addition, the preset direction can also be a clockwise or counterclockwise direction rotating around an axis.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the load transfer unit 213 can transfer the load applied by the load application unit 211 to the user operation unit 212. The load transfer unit 213 can be arranged between the load application unit 211 and the user operation unit 212, and the load transfer unit 213 can be defined as any component capable of transferring the load between the load application unit 211 and the user operation unit 212. As an example, the load transfer unit 213 can be composed of a line arranged between the load application unit 211 and the user operation unit 212 and a plurality of pulleys connected to the line for direction conversion.

[0063] Sensor 220 can be configured to sense movement information of the user operating unit 212. As an example, sensor 220 may include a distance sensing sensor 220, such as a laser sensor 220 arranged in the user operating unit 212 and a reflective portion arranged on a fixed support, thereby directly sensing the movement information of the user operating unit 212. Furthermore, according to one example, sensor 220 can not only directly sense the movement range of the user operating unit 212, but also indirectly sense the movement range of the user operating unit 212 by sensing the movement of the load application portion 211 and the load transmission portion 213 connected to the user operating unit 212. As an example, sensor 220 senses the movement of the multiple counterweights 214 by means of a pin structure 112 supported on a portion of the multiple counterweights 214, thereby sensing the movement of the user operating unit 212 connected to the multiple counterweights 214. In addition, as another example, the sensor 220 can also sense the movement of the user operation unit 212 connected to the load transmission unit 213 by sensing the movement information of the line included in the load transmission unit 213 or the rotation information of the pulley connected to the line.

[0064] Figure 4 The weight training device 30, which is the exercise equipment 30, has been described. However, it is not limited to this. The exercise equipment 30 may include various exercise equipment, such as aerobic exercise equipment like treadmills, bicycles, stair climbers, full-body exercise equipment, and weight training devices.

[0065] The exercise device 30 according to one embodiment can operate in various modes. For example, the modes of the exercise device 30 may include exercise mode, standby mode, and lock mode.

[0066] A motion mode is a movement pattern in which the motion body 210 of the motion device 30 moves based on the user's movement or based on a motion program. The motion mode can be set through user operation. For example, through the second user interface 260 of the motion device 30, a user command to switch to motion mode can be entered, or a request to switch to motion mode can be received from a user terminal 40, etc. For example, if a user logs into the motion device 30, the motion device 30 can determine that a motion mode conversion request has been received and set the motion device's mode to motion mode.

[0067] If the exercise mode is set, the exercise device 30 can request a suitable exercise program from the management server 10 based on user information and receive the exercise program from the management server 10. Furthermore, to ensure the user engages in appropriate exercise, the exercise device 30 can provide exercise guidance. Additionally, the exercise device 30 can store the user's exercise results during the exercise mode, such as exercise intensity, duration, and amount of exercise. Furthermore, if the exercise mode ends, the exercise device 30 can transmit the exercise results to the management server 10.

[0068] Standby mode can refer to a state where the motion unit 210 is stationary or a mode that can be switched to motion mode based on user operation. Although the motion unit 210 is stationary in standby mode, it is not limited to this. In standby mode, even if the motion unit 210 moves based on the user's movement, it will not guide the user's movement program or store or transmit the user's movement results. In standby mode, when the motion unit 210 moves based on the user's movement, the motion device 30 can output an indicator requesting to switch to motion mode through the second output unit 270. The motion device 30 can only switch to motion mode when it is in standby mode.

[0069] The locked mode is a mode in which the motion body 210 will not switch to motion mode even if it is in a non-moving state and a request to switch to motion mode is received based on user operation. Therefore, the motion body 210 of the motion device 30 will not move based on the user's movement. However, it is not limited to this. In the locked mode, even if the motion body 210 moves based on the user's movement, it will not guide the user's movement program or store or transmit the user's movement results. Furthermore, in the locked mode, when the motion body 210 moves based on the user's movement, the motion device 30 can output an instruction to request to stop the movement through the second output unit 270. Alternatively, in the locked mode, when the user wants to drive the motion body 210, the second processor 280 can also control the components of the motion body 210 to prevent the motion body 210 from moving.

[0070] The activity mode can be set based on the user's operation (the user's operation refers to the user command received through the second user interface 260 or the user command received from the user terminal 40 through the second communication unit 240), and the standby mode or lock mode can be set by the management server 10.

[0071] Figure 5 This is a reference figure used to illustrate a method for setting the mode of a motion device 30 according to an embodiment.

[0072] Reference Figure 5The first exercise device 30a among the multiple exercise devices 30 arranged in the fitness center can be set to exercise mode (S310). For example, a user can access the first exercise device 30a in standby mode and input a user command to switch to exercise mode through the second user interface 260 of the first exercise device 30a. Alternatively, if a user command is input to select the first exercise device 30a among the exercise devices (displayed on the display of the user terminal 40), the second processor 280 of the first exercise device 30a can set the mode of the first exercise device 30a from standby mode to exercise mode.

[0073] If set to exercise mode, the first exercise device 30a can send a notification to the management server 10 informing it that it has been set to exercise mode. Simultaneously, the first exercise device 30a can also send user information of the user requesting the switch to exercise mode to the management server 10. In this way, the management server 10 reads the exercise program of the first exercise device 30a stored in the database 120 that matches the user information and sends it to the first exercise device 30a, thus enabling the first exercise device 30a to obtain the exercise program. Furthermore, in exercise mode, the first exercise device 30a can provide exercise guidance to enable the user to exercise based on the exercise program.

[0074] Furthermore, the management server 10 can set the second exercise device 30, which is arranged at a predetermined distance from the first exercise device 30a, to a locked mode (S330). The predetermined distance can be a distance to maintain a comfortable exercise environment in the fitness center, or a distance to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. The administrator managing the fitness center can change the aforementioned predetermined distance. The fitness center may have at least one exercise device arranged at a predetermined distance from the first exercise device 30a. For ease of explanation, although the description is limited to the second exercise device 30b, it is not limited thereto. When there are multiple exercise devices arranged at a predetermined distance from the first exercise device 30a, the management server 10 can set all of the multiple exercise devices to a locked mode.

[0075] Additionally, the exercise mode of the first motion device 30a can be terminated (S340). When the user ends the exercise according to the exercise program, the second processor 280 of the first motion device 30a can terminate the exercise mode. However, it is not limited to this. The second processor 280 of the first motion device 30a can terminate the exercise mode based on the user's operation.

[0076] If the exercise mode of the first exercise device 30a ends, the first exercise device 30a may send a notification to the management server 10 to indicate that the exercise mode has ended (S350). Simultaneously with sending the notification, the first exercise device 30a may also send the user's exercise results to the management server 10. The management server 10 may match the exercise results to user information and store them in the database 120. Alternatively, the first processor 150 of the management server 10 may convert the exercise results into calories and store them in the database. The management server 10 may also send the stored exercise results, etc., to external devices, such as the user terminal 40 or the administrator terminal 50.

[0077] The management server 10 can set the mode of the first motion device 30a (S360) and can reset the mode of the second motion device 30b, which is arranged at a predetermined distance from the first motion device 30a (S370). For example, based on the mode information of other motion devices (hereinafter referred to as "surrounding motion devices") arranged at a predetermined distance from the second motion device 30b, the management server 10 can set the mode of the second motion device 30b to a locked mode or a standby mode.

[0078] As described above, the management server 10 sets the mode of the surrounding sports equipment based on the mode of the sports equipment 30, so that the user can exercise while maintaining a predetermined distance. Figure 5 This describes a method for setting the mode of one exercise device based on the mode of another exercise device, but it is not limited to this. A fitness center is equipped with a large number of exercise devices, and the management server 10 can manage multiple exercise devices 30 simultaneously.

[0079] Figures 6a to 6d This is a diagram illustrating the method by which the management server 10 manages the motion equipment 30.

[0080] When there are no users exercising in the gym, such as Figure 6a As shown, the management server 10 can set the mode of all the exercise equipment 30 arranged in the fitness center to standby mode.

[0081] Additionally, once inside the fitness center, users can set the exercise mode for any of the exercise devices 30. For example, ... Figure 6b As shown, the user can set the first motion device 30a to motion mode. The first motion device 30a can switch to motion mode and transmit the result to the management server 10. In order to set the mode of the second motion device 30b, which is within a predetermined distance from the motion device 30a that has switched to motion mode, to a locked mode, the management server 10 can control the second motion device 30b.

[0082] In addition, such as Figure 6c As shown, another user can set the mode of the third motion device 30c, which is already set to standby mode, to motion mode. In this way, the third motion device 30c can switch to motion mode and transmit its results to the management server 10. In order to set the mode of the fourth motion device 30d, which is within a predetermined distance of the third motion device 30c, to locked mode, the management server 10 can control the fourth motion device 30d.

[0083] Additionally, the movement mode of the first motion device 30a can be terminated. The first motion device 30a can transmit the termination of the movement mode to the management server 10. The management server 10 can determine the mode of the first motion device 30a based on the modes of surrounding motion devices within a predetermined distance from the first motion device 30a. For example, if at least one of the motion devices 30 within a predetermined distance from the first motion device 30a is in motion mode, the management server 10 can control the mode of the first motion device 30a to set the first motion device 30a to a locked mode. Alternatively, if none of the motion devices 30 within a predetermined distance from the first motion device 30a are in motion mode, that is, if the motion devices 30 within a predetermined distance from the first motion device 30a are in locked mode or standby mode, the management server 10 can set the first motion device 30a to standby mode. Figure 6d The illustration shows that when the first motion device 30a is in standby mode or locked mode and is within a predetermined distance from the first motion device 30a, the management server 10 sets the mode of the first motion device 30a to standby mode.

[0084] Up to this point, the scenario of the management server 10 setting the motion device 30 to standby mode or locked mode has been described, but it is not limited to this. The motion device 30 can set its own mode to standby mode or locked mode based on the modes of other motion devices arranged at a predetermined distance.

[0085] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for determining the mode of a motion device according to another embodiment.

[0086] Reference Figure 7 The second processor 280 of the motion device 30 can set its own mode to standby mode (S410). When the mode of the surrounding motion devices arranged within a predetermined distance is not motion mode, the motion device 30 can usually set the surrounding motion devices to standby mode.

[0087] The second processor 280 of the motion device 30 can determine whether a request to set a motion mode has been received (S420). For example, a user can access the motion device 30 in standby mode and input a user command to switch to motion mode through the second user interface 260 of the motion device 30. Alternatively, if a user command for selecting the motion device 30 is input (displayed on the display of the user terminal 40), the second processor 280 of the selected motion device 30 can set the mode of the motion device 30 from standby mode to motion mode.

[0088] If a request for a sports mode is received, the second processor 280 of the sports device 30 can set the mode to sports mode (S430). If it is already set to sports mode, the sports device 30 can send a notification to the management server 10 to inform it that it has been set to sports mode. In this way, the management server 10 reads the sports program of the sports device 30 stored in the database 120 that matches the user information and sends it to the sports device 30, so that the sports device 30 can obtain the sports program. In addition, in sports mode, the sports device 30 can provide sports guidance so that the user can exercise based on the sports program and record the user's movements.

[0089] The exercise device 30 can determine whether the exercise mode has ended (S440). When the user ends the exercise based on the exercise program, the second processor 280 of the first exercise device 30a can determine that the exercise mode has ended. Alternatively, if a user command to end the exercise mode is input through the second user interface 250, the second processor 280 of the exercise device 30 can also end the exercise mode.

[0090] Additionally, the second processor 280 of the motion device 30 can determine whether the surrounding motion devices are in motion mode (S450). The surrounding motion devices may refer to motion devices arranged within a predetermined distance.

[0091] If the surrounding motion device is in motion mode (S450 - Yes), the second processor 280 of the motion device 30 can set the mode to a lock mode (S460). By setting it to lock mode, users exercising in the surrounding motion device can maintain a predetermined distance from other users.

[0092] Furthermore, the second processor 280 of the motion device 30 can determine whether the motion mode of the surrounding motion devices has ended (S470). If the motion mode has ended, the surrounding motion devices can transmit their results to the motion device 30. In this way, the motion device 30 can determine that the motion mode of the surrounding motion devices has ended.

[0093] When none of the surrounding motion devices are in motion mode, that is, when all the motion modes of the surrounding motion devices have ended, the motion device 30 can set its mode to standby mode (S410). In other words, the motion device 30 can only switch to standby mode when there are no surrounding motion devices set to motion mode.

[0094] exist Figure 7 In the example, although S420 determines whether its own mode has been set to motion mode and S450 determines whether surrounding motion devices have been set to motion mode, this is only for illustrative purposes and is not a limitation. It is permissible to first determine whether surrounding motion devices have been set to motion mode, and then determine whether one's own mode has been set to motion mode. Motion device 30 can transmit the result to management server 10 each time it switches its mode.

[0095] Up to this point, the explanation has only covered the case where the motion device 30 is set to a locked mode when surrounding motion devices are in motion mode. However, it is not limited to this. When the motion mode of the motion device 30 meets predetermined conditions, the motion device 30 can also be set to a locked mode for a period of time. For example, when a particular motion device 30 is used intensively, the possibility of the motion device 30 malfunctioning may increase. Therefore, in order to utilize the motion device 30 evenly, the motion device 30 can be set to a locked mode for a period of time.

[0096] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a motion device for maintaining a locked mode according to an embodiment.

[0097] When the exercise device 30 is set to exercise mode, it can be determined whether the exercise mode has ended (S510).

[0098] If it is determined that the motion mode has ended (S510 - Yes), the second processor 280 of the motion device 30 can determine whether the motion mode time is above the reference time (S520).

[0099] The exercise mode time can be the duration during which the exercise device 30 remains in exercise mode once it is set to exercise mode. However, it is not limited to this. It can refer to the total time during which the exercise mode is set based on a period of time (e.g., four hours) from the time of the determination step S520, which is set by the fitness center administrator or the like. The reference time can also be set by the fitness center administrator or the like, and it can be a reference time related to the exercise mode time set once, or it can be a reference time related to the exercise mode time set for a period of time based on a predetermined time.

[0100] If the motion mode time does not meet the reference time (S520-No), the second processor 280 of the motion device 30 can set the mode of the motion device 30 to standby mode or lock mode based on the mode of the surrounding motion devices (S550).

[0101] However, if the motion mode time is greater than or equal to the reference time (S520 - Yes), the second processor 280 of the motion device 30 can set the mode to a locked mode (S530). This is because when working in motion mode, the motion body generates overload, which may cause a malfunction, so it is set to a locked mode for a period of time.

[0102] Furthermore, if a period of time has elapsed (S540-Yes), the second processor 280 of the motion device 30 may set the mode of the motion device 30 to standby mode or lock mode based on the mode of the surrounding motion devices (S550).

[0103] Figure 8 The illustration shows a scenario where the exercise device 30 can be automatically set to a locked mode, but it is not limited to this. If the exercise mode time of the exercise device 30 exceeds a base time, the management server 10 can set the mode of the exercise device 30 to a locked mode. Furthermore, after a period of time, the management server 10 can set the mode of the exercise device 30 to a standby mode or a locked mode based on the modes of surrounding exercise devices.

[0104] Furthermore, for the same sport, when multiple sports devices are in standby mode, the user can select one of the sports devices 30 that are already set to standby mode and set it to sports mode. However, this is not the only option. The management server 10 assigns priority to any one of the multiple sports devices 30 and can guide the user to use the sports device 30 with the higher priority.

[0105] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating a guidance method for a motion device according to an embodiment.

[0106] The first processor 150 of the management server 10 can receive requests from external devices to guide the exercise equipment 30 via the first communication unit 110 (S610). The external device can be a user terminal 40, an input / output terminal 20, or other exercise equipment 30. For example, when the input / output terminal 20 allows the user to enter or exit, it can request the management server 10 to guide the user to the exercise equipment 30. Alternatively, after entering the fitness center, the user terminal 40 can request guidance to the exercise equipment 30, and the exercise equipment whose exercise mode has ended can request guidance to the next exercise equipment.

[0107] If a request for guidance on exercise equipment is received, the first processor 150 of the management server 10 can obtain the user's exercise program list (S620). The first processor 150 of the management server 10 can read the exercise program list corresponding to the user information received from the external device from the database 120. Exercise programs refer to the names of exercise equipment such as treadmills, bicycles, and stair climbers. The database 120 stores an exercise program list that matches the user information. If the external device receives a notification that the user has finished exercising, the first processor 150 of the management server 10 can update the exercise program list to indicate whether the exercise has been performed.

[0108] The first processor 150 of the management server 10 can determine the sports activity based on whether the sports activity is being performed in the sports activity table (S630). The sports activity table read from the database 120 also includes whether the sports activity is being performed.

[0109] The first processor 150 of the management server 10 can determine the exercises not performed in the exercise list. The criteria for not performing these exercises can be predetermined and stored by the user or administrator. For example, the unperformed exercises can be reset each time a user enters or leaves the gym. That is, when a user enters the gym, all exercises in the exercise list are reset to unperformed, and the user can then use the exercise equipment included in the list. However, this is not a limitation. The reset interval for unperformed exercises can also be set to, for example, a two-day interval. Thus, the exercises in the exercise list can be reset to unperformed after two days. This is beneficial for users who can schedule time to perform various exercises in batches. Furthermore, the management server 10 can also reset the exercise list to unperformed whenever it receives a request from a user or administrator.

[0110] The first processor 150 of the management server 10 can determine the exercise item corresponding to the exercise device to be guided based on whether the exercise has been performed. When there are multiple exercises that have not been performed, the management server 10 can determine the exercise item at the top of the exercise item list as the exercise item corresponding to the exercise device to be guided. This is because when users or administrators set the exercise item list, they generally place the exercises that need to be performed first at the top of the list.

[0111] The first processor 150 of the management server 10 can determine whether the sports equipment corresponding to the sports item determined in step S630 is in standby mode (S640).

[0112] When there is no exercise equipment in standby mode among the exercise equipment corresponding to a given exercise item, the management server 10 can determine other unused exercise items in the exercise item list. For example, if "treadmill" and "weight trainer" are unused exercise items in the exercise item list, and all the exercise equipment corresponding to the "treadmill" in the fitness center is in non-standby mode, the management server 10 can determine whether the exercise equipment 30 corresponding to the "weight trainer" is in standby mode.

[0113] Furthermore, when all the sports equipment corresponding to the unused sports activities is in non-standby mode, the management server 10 can notify the user that the sports equipment cannot be used through external devices such as input / output terminal 20, user terminal 40, or other sports equipment 30. In this way, the user can wait or request guidance on sports equipment not listed in the sports activity list from the management server 10 through external devices.

[0114] Alternatively, the management server 10 can inform the user that the exercise equipment 30 is unavailable through external devices such as input / output terminal 20, user terminal 40, or other exercise equipment 30, and can recommend exercise equipment 30 equivalent to the exercise that was not performed. For example, when all the exercise equipment corresponding to "treadmill" is in non-standby mode, the management server 10 can also recommend other aerobic exercise programs such as "cycling" to the user.

[0115] When the exercise equipment corresponding to an unused exercise is in standby mode (S640 - Yes), and there is only one exercise equipment 30 in standby mode (S650 - Yes), the first processor 150 of the management server 10 can ultimately determine the exercise equipment 30 as the exercise equipment to be guided. Furthermore, the management server 10 can provide the user with the inherent identification information of the exercise equipment 30 to be guided (e.g., the name of the exercise equipment 30 and its location information within the fitness center) through external devices (e.g., input / output terminal 20, member terminal, or other exercise equipment 30).

[0116] Furthermore, the management server 10 can control the finally determined exercise device 30 to output guidance indicators. These guidance indicators can be indicators that help the user identify which exercise device 30 is needed and guide the user to exercise. For example, the second output unit 270 of the exercise device 30 may include a display for showing the mode of the exercise device 30. The display may show different colors depending on the mode. For example, if it is in exercise mode, the display may show white; if it is in standby mode, the display may show green. Additionally, if it is in lock mode, the display may show black. Moreover, the display may use red to show guidance indicators. Alternatively, the display may also use intermittent green light to show guidance indicators.

[0117] If there are multiple exercise devices 30 in standby mode (S650 - No), the first processor 150 of the management server 10 can confirm the locking mode of the surrounding exercise devices (S670). For example, exercise devices 30 with multiple locking modes arranged within a predetermined distance can be identified as exercise devices 30 to be guided. This is to enable more users to exercise in the fitness center.

[0118] If the most numerous sports device in the surrounding area that is in the locked mode is a single device (S680 - Yes), then the first processor 150 of the management server 10 will finally determine the sports device to be guided (S690).

[0119] However, if there are multiple exercise devices in the locked mode (S680 - No), the first processor 150 of the management server 10 can ultimately determine the exercise device 30 to be guided based on the exercise mode time (S695). For example, a fitness center may have exercise devices 30 corresponding to the exercise program and in standby mode, namely, the first exercise device and the second exercise device 30. Furthermore, when the first exercise device and the second exercise device each have two surrounding exercise devices set to locked mode and arranged within a predetermined distance, the management server 10 can confirm the exercise mode time of the first exercise device and the second exercise device 30. Additionally, the exercise device 30 with the smaller exercise mode time can be ultimately determined as the exercise device 30 to be guided. When the exercise mode times are the same, the management server 10 can randomly set any one of the multiple exercise devices 30 as the exercise device 30 to be guided.

[0120] The sports equipment management method according to the present invention can be implemented in the form of a computer program executable by various components on a computer, and the computer program described above can be recorded in a computer-readable medium. In this case, the medium may include magnetic media (such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes), optical recording media (such as CD-ROMs and DVDs), magneto-optical media (such as floppy disks), and hardware devices specifically configured to store and execute program commands (such as ROMs, RAMs, flash memory, etc.). Furthermore, the medium may include an intangible medium implemented in a transmittable form over a network, for example, a medium implemented in the form of software or an application and capable of being transmitted and distributed over a network.

[0121] Furthermore, the computer program may be specifically designed and configured for this invention, or it may be known and usable by those skilled in the art of computer software. Examples of computer programs may include not only machine language code generated by a compiler, but also high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter.

[0122] Up to this point, the description has focused on preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that the invention can be implemented in various modifications without departing from its essential characteristics. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments should be considered from an illustrative rather than a limiting perspective. The scope of the invention is defined not by the foregoing description but by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope equivalent to that scope will be interpreted as including within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A sports device management method performed by a server for managing a plurality of sports devices, comprising: receiving a notification that a first sports device of the plurality of sports devices has set a sports mode; in response to receiving the notification that the first sports device has set the sports mode, setting a second sports device that keeps a distance from the first sports device of the plurality of sports devices within a predetermined distance to a lock mode; receiving a second notification from the first sports device informing that the sports mode of the first sports device has ended; and in response to receiving the second notification that the sports mode of the first sports device has ended, re-setting a mode of the second sports device to a standby mode or the lock mode based on modes of surrounding sports devices that keep a distance from the second sports device within the predetermined distance, wherein the mode of the second sports device is re-set to the lock mode when at least one of the surrounding sports devices is in the sports mode, and the mode of the second sports device is re-set to the standby mode when the surrounding sports devices are in the lock mode or the standby mode.

2. The sports device management method according to claim 1, further comprising: re-setting a mode of the first sports device to the standby mode or the lock mode based on modes of surrounding sports devices that keep a distance from the first sports device within a predetermined distance.

3. The exercise equipment management method of claim 2, wherein, The step of re-setting the mode of the first sports device includes: setting the mode of the first sports device to the lock mode when a sports mode time of the first sports device is greater than or equal to a first reference time.

4. The sports equipment management method of claim 3, further comprising: re-setting the mode of the first sports device to the standby mode or the lock mode when a lock mode setting time exceeds a second reference time.

5. The sports equipment management method of claim 1, further comprising: when a sports device directing request from an external device is received, determining any one of the sports devices in the standby mode as a sports device to be directed.

6. The sports device management method according to claim 5, further comprising: when there are a plurality of sports devices in the standby mode, determining the sports device to be directed based on modes of surrounding sports devices that keep a distance from the sports devices in the standby mode within a predetermined distance.

7. The sports device management method according to claim 5, further comprising: when there are a plurality of sports devices in the standby mode, determining a sports device having the largest number of surrounding sports devices in the lock mode as the sports device to be directed.

8. The sports equipment management method of claim 5, further comprising: transmitting information related to the sports device to be directed to the external device.

9. The exercise equipment management method of claim 5, wherein, further comprising: requesting an output of a direction indicator to the sports device to be directed.

10. The exercise equipment management method of claim 1, wherein, The sports device includes at least one of an aerobic sports device and an anaerobic sports device.

11. A server for managing a plurality of sports devices, comprising: a communication section that communicates with the plurality of sports devices; and a control section that controls the communication section. The processor, when receiving a notification that a first motion device of the plurality of motion devices has been set to a motion mode, sets a second motion device that is within a predetermined distance from the first motion device to a lock mode, The processor is configured to, when receiving a second notification that the first motion device has ended the motion mode, re-set the mode of the second motion device to a standby mode or a lock mode based on the mode of the surrounding motion device that is within the predetermined distance from the second motion device, The processor is configured to, when the surrounding motion device is in the motion mode, set the mode of the second motion device to the lock mode; and when the surrounding motion device is in the lock mode or the standby mode, re-set the mode of the second motion device to the standby mode.

12. The server of claim 11, wherein, The processor is configured to: re-set the mode of the first motion device to the standby mode or the lock mode based on the mode of the surrounding motion device that is within the predetermined distance from the first motion device.

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