Method for controlling a strength training device

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for controlling a strength training device (10) with at least one control element (14a, 14b) that can be manually operated by a user (12) and which is coupled via a kinematic structure (16) to at least one unit (18) that generates resistance on the control element (14a, 14b). The method comprises the following steps: detecting user signals (24) generated at the at least one control element (14a, 14b) by means of a sensor unit (20); recognizing a predetermined signal pattern (28) depending on the detected user signals (24) by means of a control unit; and controlling the strength training device (10) depending on the recognized signal pattern (28) by means of the control unit.

Description

Technical area

[0001] The invention relates to a method for controlling a strength training device with at least one control element that can be manually operated by a device user and is coupled via a kinematic structure to at least one unit that generates resistance to the control element. The invention further relates to a corresponding control unit and a strength training device with the corresponding control unit. State of the art

[0002] Interaction to adjust the desired behavior of a strength training machine typically occurs through the adjustment of mechanical elements or touchscreens. These elements are usually not located at the interface where users interact with the machine during training.

[0003] DE 10 2019 205 676 A1 and DE 10 2020 211 778 A1 disclose a strength training device with a manually operable control element which is coupled via a lever mechanism to at least one unit generating a resistance.

[0004] DE 10 2021 005 292 A1 discloses a compact force detection module for measuring the magnitude and direction of the forces exerted by the user on the handles of a strength training device, whereby an arrangement of several one-dimensional sensor elements allows the unambiguous reconstruction of the multi-dimensional force vector from the one-dimensional measured values. Disclosure of the invention

[0005] Against this background, the approach presented here proposes a method for controlling a strength training device with at least one control element that can be manually operated by a device user and which is coupled via a kinematic structure to at least one unit that generates a resistance on the control element, with the following steps: - detecting user signals generated on the at least one control element by means of a sensor unit; - Recognition of a predetermined signal pattern depending on the detected user signals by means of a control unit; and - Controlling the strength training device depending on the detected signal pattern using the control unit.

[0006] Furthermore, a control unit is presented which is configured to carry out the following steps: - Receiving sensor signals which comprise user signals generated on at least one control element of a strength training device which can be manually operated by a device user and detected by a sensor unit, wherein the control element is coupled via a kinematic structure to at least one unit of the strength training device which generates a resistance on the control element; - Recognition of a predetermined signal pattern depending on the user signals; and - Outputting a control signal depending on the detected signal pattern to control the strength training device.

[0007] In addition, a strength training device with at least one control element that can be manually operated by a device user and is coupled via a kinematic structure to at least one unit that generates a resistance on the control element is presented, with: - a sensor unit for detecting user signals generated at the at least one operating element, which is arranged in particular in, on or in the vicinity of the at least one operating element; and - a control unit as described above.

[0008] The method according to the invention enables a very simple and advantageous control of a strength training device, particularly during an exercise, by detecting user signals, i.e., input signals from the device user, at the control element and subsequently evaluating them for control purposes. The at least one control element thus represents a user interface for the user-specific desired control of the strength training device.

[0009] The invention takes advantage of the fact that the device user is inevitably in contact with and interacting with the control element in order to perform the exercise. By capturing the user signals on the control element and recognizing them during the exercise, the device user is thus able to control the strength training device even while performing the exercise and thus, for example, adapt the resistance and much more to their needs without having to interrupt the exercise. For example, the device user would advantageously be able to set exercise-relevant positions (start / end positions, etc.) and initiate so-called reduction sets without having to take their hands off the user interface, i.e. the control elements, for example to interact with a touch-sensitive display (touchscreen) or similar.

[0010] Secondly, the control element is easily accessible to the device user (which it must be), making it significantly easier to operate, for example, compared to a hard-to-reach touch-sensitive display or lever. In general, all interactions that would otherwise occur on a touch-sensitive display or similar device can be transferred to the control element (user interface).

[0011] The strength training device with the kinematic structure or the lever mechanism and the at least one unit generating resistance on the control element can in principle be designed according to the aforementioned DE 10 2019 205 676 A1 or DE 10 2020 211 778 A1.

[0012] The equipment user is preferably a person training on the strength training equipment. However, the equipment user can be any user of the strength training equipment, such as a trainer, machine installer, or the like.

[0013] The at least one operating element is preferably an operating element that is intended to be operated or actuated using a hand or a foot. Accordingly, the at least one operating element is preferably selected from the group consisting of: handle or single handle, rod or handlebar, pedal, rope, band. Only a single operating element can be provided. However, exactly two, exactly three, or exactly four operating elements of the same or different design or type can also be provided. Preferably, a left-hand operating element or a left handle and a right-hand operating element or a right handle are provided.

[0014] In a first step, a user signal generated by the at least one control element is detected by a sensor unit. The user signal is preferably generated by the device user, in particular the person exercising. The user signal is preferably a haptic or tactile signal.

[0015] It should be noted that although the user signal is generated at the at least one control element, the detection may not necessarily take place at the control element, but may also take place alternatively or cumulatively in the vicinity of the control element.

[0016] Accordingly, the sensor unit is designed to at least indirectly detect the user signal on and / or in the vicinity of the control element. Depending on the number of control elements, the sensor unit can also comprise several sensors of the same or different designs or types. Preferably, each control element is assigned a separate sensor.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, in the step of detecting user signals, forces and / or moments applied by the device user to the at least one control element are detected at least indirectly by means of the sensor unit. The applied forces and / or moments are preferably detected in terms of their magnitude, value, and / or direction. It should be noted that the term "forces" also includes quantities derived from forces, in particular force pulses.

[0018] In other words, the user signals represent or are forces and / or moments that are applied by the device user to the at least one control element. Depending on the design, the forces and / or moments can be / have been applied, for example, by means of one hand or both hands and / or one finger or several fingers and / or one foot or both feet of the device user. The forces and / or moments can preferably be recorded in accordance with DE 10 2021 005 292 A1 mentioned above. This precise, "sensitive" force measurement can also record forces or force signals that are applied, for example, by means of only one finger or several fingers.

[0019] Consequently, the sensor unit is preferably designed to detect forces and / or moments, in particular their magnitude and / or direction, on and / or in the vicinity of the at least one operating element. In this case, the sensor unit can be designed analogously to the compact force detection module according to the aforementioned DE 10 2021 005 292 A1.

[0020] However, it is also conceivable that the sensor unit comprises, for example, at least one light sensor by means of which the user signals are detected, without thereby departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0021] In a further step, a predefined or stored signal pattern is recognized by a control unit depending on the recorded user signals.

[0022] In other words, the recorded user signals are evaluated, analyzed, and interpreted in order to identify a predefined signal pattern, particularly from a multitude of signal patterns. The user signals can, for example, be extracted from an (entire) sensor signal or force sensor signal. The signal pattern is a predefined, specific sequence of user signals, particularly with regard to size or intensity and / or direction and / or duration and / or sequence. The signal pattern therefore represents a user-specific desired control of the strength training device, i.e., a user request or input request from the user.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, in the detection step, the predetermined signal pattern is detected as a function of a magnitude and / or a direction and / or a temporal progression of the applied forces and / or moments on the at least one control element. The step of detecting the predetermined signal pattern can also include detecting or extracting useful signals as a function of a magnitude and / or a direction and / or a temporal progression of the applied forces and / or moments on the at least one control element.

[0024] Advantageously, the strength training device has at least two control elements, in particular at least one left control element and at least one right control element, wherein, in the recognition step, the predetermined signal pattern is (further) recognized as a function of the control element. In other words, the predetermined signal pattern or the predetermined specific sequence is (further) recognized as a function of the respective control element(s) at which the user signals were detected.

[0025] Thus, by means of the appropriately designed sensor unit on both sides, i.e. left and right, the force interaction for both hands can be broken down individually, whereby different meanings can be assigned to the user signals on the left and right sides.

[0026] Preferably, in the recognition step, the predefined signal pattern is recognized from a plurality of predefined signal patterns in a signal pattern database. The signal patterns can preferably be specified or learned by the device user. The signal pattern database can be stored, for example, in a local storage unit of the strength training device or in a cloud.

[0027] In a further step, the strength training device is controlled by the control unit depending on the detected signal pattern. Within the context of the present invention, controlling the strength training device is understood to mean controlling an (electrically or electronically) controllable unit of the strength training device, which also includes the input of data, in particular parameters, commands, personal data, and the like.

[0028] Preferably, an action is assigned to the or each predetermined signal pattern, wherein, in the actuating step, a respective unit of the strength training device is actuated to execute the action. The action represents, in particular, a change in the state or setting of the strength training device and / or an input to the strength training device. In general, the action can include all interactions that would otherwise occur on a touch-sensitive display or similar device.

[0029] The actions are preferably selected from the group consisting of: mechanical adjustment; electrical adjustment; data entry; or combinations thereof.

[0030] The mechanical adjustment may include, for example: Adjustment or modification of the exercise resistance or exercise load; geometric adjustment, in particular modification of the start and / or end position of the control element; initialization of a start position or rest position; position or inclination of a seat; position or inclination of a display (touchscreen).

[0031] The electrical adjustment can include, for example: Setting or changing the device status, in particular switching the strength training device on and / or off and / or activating standby mode or hibernation; initiating the cancellation of a set, exercise, or workout.

[0032] Data entry may include, for example: Interactions that are possible using a touch-sensitive display, in particular entering personal data and / or parameters and / or commands, such as menu changes, scrolling, selection / program selection, confirmation, marking, cancellation, activation, deactivation, copying, deleting, changing modes, highlighting, rotating, mirroring, moving and enlarging / reducing, logging in, changing users.

[0033] The initial "learning" of the user-specific biometric data (arm lengths, body positions, etc.), which later serves to set the individual start and end positions and, if applicable, the intermediate movement path during training exercises, often requires interaction with the touchscreen (confirmation requests and the like) carried out by the trainee or another person, e.g., a trainer. With the method according to the invention, these interactions can be generated by haptic signals directly on the control element, so that, for example, the learning of a position can be activated by a specific haptic signal pattern without the device user having to remove their hands from the control element. Furthermore, for example, several users can alternately train on the strength training device and each switch their user profile very efficiently.

[0034] To carry out the action, the respective unit of the strength training device can be selected from the group consisting of: display unit, in particular touch-sensitive display; mechanical unit, in particular actuator and / or the unit generating resistance on the at least one control element; optical unit; acoustic unit; or combinations thereof.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, a further control step is provided, in which the unit generating resistance on the at least one control element is controlled by the control unit for generating resistance during the exercise as a function of the detected forces and / or moments, in particular a magnitude and / or a direction and / or a temporal progression of the applied forces and / or moments, and independently of the detected signal pattern. This further control of the unit corresponds to the control according to the aforementioned DE 10 2019 205 676 A1 or DE 10 2020 211 778 A1.

[0036] In other words, the forces and / or moments detected by the sensor unit are further used or utilized to control the unit to generate resistance during exercise execution, with this control being explicitly independent of the detected signal pattern. Thus, using one and the same sensor unit or force detection system, two control types or operating functions can be provided, particularly for the unit, with the overlapping forces being filtered accordingly.

[0037] Accordingly, the control described at the beginning represents a first control type or first operating mode, in which the detected forces and / or moments are filtered accordingly to capture useful signals, and a signal pattern is recognized from this in order to control the strength training device based on this signal pattern, wherein the signal pattern represents a user-specific desired control of the strength training device. In this case, the controlled unit of the strength training device can be, among other things, the power unit. In contrast, in a second control type or second operating mode, the detected forces and / or moments are used—without taking signal patterns into account—to control the power unit that generates resistance on the at least one control element to generate resistance during the exercise.

[0038] To capture the specifically generated user signals, the recorded forces and / or moments can be specifically filtered or extracted from the force signals. This allows, for example, different directions and / or durations of the forces and / or moments to be taken into account, particularly depending on a currently performed exercise, in order to filter or extract the user signals. This can take advantage of the fact that, for example, the thumb (in push and pull exercises) or the index / middle finger (in push exercises) bear little load, so that they can be used easily and intuitively to apply forces opposite to or perpendicular to the force direction resulting from the execution of the respective exercise, thus allowing user signals to be easily and clearly extracted.

[0039] Preferably, in the recognition step, force impulses can be extracted from the recorded forces and / or moments in order to recognize the predefined signal pattern. This makes it possible to assign a defined action or meaning to force impulses in a specific direction, with a specific magnitude and / or a specific temporal sequence, which then results in the control of the strength training device. This makes it possible to define signal patterns that are, on the one hand, intuitive, but, on the other hand, only occur when force impulses are consciously applied. This means that during an exercise, the resistance or load for the exercise can be changed or reduced by a previously defined value by tapping or knocking, e.g., by applying three quickly successive downward force impulses using the thumb or the index and middle fingers on the control element. Drawings

[0040] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a strength training device according to the invention; Fig. 2 a detailed view of the strength training device according to the invention Fig. 1; and Fig. 3 a flow diagram of a method according to the invention for controlling a strength training device.

[0041] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a strength training device according to the invention, which is provided in its entirety with the reference number 10.

[0042] The strength training device 10 has two control elements 14a, 14b that can be manually operated by a device user 12. In the illustrated embodiment, these control elements are designed as a left handle 14a and a right handle 14b. The handles 14a, 14b are coupled via a kinematic structure 16 to a unit 18 that generates resistance on the handles 14a, 14b.

[0043] The strength training device 10 further comprises a sensor unit 20 for detecting user signals generated at the handles 14a, 14b. For this purpose, the sensor unit comprises a left sensor 20a, which is arranged near the left handle 14a, and a right sensor 20b, which is arranged near the right handle 14b. The sensors 20a, b are designed as force sensors 20a, b to detect the magnitude and direction of forces and / or moments applied by a device user to the associated handle 14a, b as user signals.

[0044] As can be seen from the presentation of Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, the strength training device 10 also has a control unit (not shown) according to the invention, which is configured to receive the force sensor signal 22 detected by the sensor unit 20 or the sensors 20a, b and to extract user signals 24 therefrom. In the illustrated embodiment, the device user 12 applied three force pulses 24 to the right handle 14b with his fingers 26 while performing the exercise, which were detected as useful signals 24 by the force sensor 20b.

[0045] The control unit is further configured to recognize a predefined signal pattern 28 from a database of signal patterns based on the user signals 24, with each predefined signal pattern 28 being assigned an action. This occurs based on the magnitude, direction, and temporal progression of the applied force pulse 28, with a desired reduction in exercise resistance being recognized as an action.

[0046] Accordingly, the control unit is further configured to control the strength training device 10 or a respective unit of the strength training device 10 to execute the action, which in the present case is the unit 18 for reducing the exercise resistance, depending on the detected signal pattern 28.

[0047] Fig.3 shows a flowchart of a method 100 according to the invention for controlling a strength training device 10 with at least one control element 14a, 14b that can be manually operated by a device user 12 and is coupled via a kinematic structure 16 to at least one unit 18 that generates resistance on the control element 14a, 14b. The method 100 comprises a step of detecting 102 user signals 24 generated at the at least one control element 14a, 14b by means of a sensor unit 20. The method 100 further comprises a step of detecting 104 a predetermined signal pattern 28 as a function of the detected user signals 24 by means of a control unit. The method 100 further comprises a step of controlling 106 the strength training device 10 as a function of the detected signal pattern 28 by means of the control unit.

[0048] The method 100 also comprises an optional step of further controlling 108 the unit 18 generating resistance on the at least one operating element 14a, 14b as a function of the detected forces and / or moments, in particular a magnitude and / or a direction and / or a temporal progression of the applied forces and / or moments, and independently of the detected signal pattern 28 by means of the control unit. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2019 205 676 A1 [0003, 0011, 0035] DE 10 2020 211 778 A1 [0003, 0011, 0035] DE 10 2021 005 292 A1 [0004, 0018, 0019]

Claims

[1] Method (100) for controlling a strength training device (10) with at least one control element (14a, 14b) that can be manually operated by a device user (12), which is coupled via a kinematic structure (16) to at least one unit (18) that generates a resistance on the control element (14a, 14b), comprising the steps: - detecting (102) user signals (24) generated on the at least one operating element (14a, 14b) by means of a sensor unit (20); - detecting (104) a predetermined signal pattern (28) as a function of the detected user signals (24) by means of a control unit; and - controlling (106) the strength training device (10) in dependence on the detected signal pattern (28) by means of the control unit. [2] Method (100) according to claim 1, characterized bythat the forces and / or moments on and / or in the vicinity of the at least one operating element (14a, 14b) are detected at least indirectly by means of the sensor unit (20). [3] Method (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by in that in the step of detecting (102) as user signals (24) forces and / or moments applied by the device user (12) to the at least one operating element (14a, 14b), in particular in terms of magnitude and / or direction, are detected at least indirectly by means of the sensor unit (20). [4] Method (100) according to claim 3, characterized by in that in the step of recognition (104) the predetermined signal pattern (28) is recognized as a function of a size and / or a direction and / or a temporal progression of the applied forces and / or moments on the at least one operating element (14a, 14b). [5] Method (100) according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterized bya step of further controlling (108) the unit (18) generating resistance on the at least one operating element (14a, 14b) as a function of the detected forces and / or moments, in particular a magnitude and / or a direction and / or a temporal progression of the applied forces and / or moments, and independently of the detected signal pattern (28) by means of the control unit. [6] Method (100) according to claim 5, characterized by in that in the step of controlling (106), which is carried out as a function of the recognized signal pattern (28), and in the step of further controlling (108), which is carried out independently of the recognized signal pattern (28), different directions and / or durations of action of the forces and / or moments are taken into account, in particular which are selected as a function of a currently performed exercise. [7] Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat in the detection step (104) force pulses are extracted from the detected forces in order to detect the predetermined signal pattern (28). [8] Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the strength training device (10) has at least two operating elements (14a, 14b), in particular at least one left operating element (14a) and at least one right operating element (14b), wherein in the recognition step (104) the predetermined signal pattern (28) is recognized as a function of the operating element (14a, 14b). [9] Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that in the step of recognition (104) the predetermined signal pattern (28) is recognized from a plurality of predetermined signal patterns of a signal pattern database. [10] Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat an action is assigned to the or each predetermined signal pattern, wherein in the step of controlling (106) a respective unit (18) of the strength training device (10) is controlled to execute the action. [11] Method (100) according to claim 10, characterized by that the actions are selected from the group consisting of: mechanical adjustment; electrical adjustment; data entry; or combinations thereof. [12] Method (100) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized by that for executing the action, the respective unit (18) of the strength training device (10) is selected from the group consisting of: display unit, in particular touch-sensitive display; mechanical unit, in particular actuator and / or the unit (18) generating resistance on the at least one control element (14a, 14b); optical unit; acoustic unit; or combinations thereof. [13] Control unit which is configured to perform the following steps: - Receiving sensor signals (22) which comprise user signals (24) generated on at least one operating element (14a, 14b) of a strength training device (10) which can be manually actuated by a device user (12) and detected by a sensor unit (20), wherein the operating element (14a, 14b) is coupled via a kinematic structure (16) to at least one unit (18) of the strength training device (10) which generates a resistance on the operating element (14a, 14b); - detecting a predetermined signal pattern (28) depending on the user signals (24); and - Outputting a control signal depending on the detected signal pattern (28) in order to control the strength training device (10). [14] Strength training device (10) with at least one control element (14a, 14b) which can be manually operated by a device user (12) and which is coupled via a kinematic structure (16) to at least one unit (18) generating a resistance on the control element (14a, 14b), with: - a sensor unit (20) for detecting user signals (24) generated at the at least one operating element (14a, 14b), which is arranged in particular in, on or in the vicinity of the at least one operating element (14a, 14b); and - a control unit according to claim 13.

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