Training system

Abstract

Provided is a training system (SYS) in which control units (20, 31): acquire the magnitude of a load from a load generation device; cause a screen used for setting a load used for training to be displayed; receive input of a set value; and control a magnetorheological fluid device (14) so that a total load becomes the set value, the total load obtained by adding a braking force generated by the magnetorheological fluid device (14) to the load from the load generation device.

Description

Training System

[0001] The present invention relates to a training system.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an ergometer that has an LCD display and push button switches in front of the handlebars of the bicycle part and accepts input of information.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-10358

[0004] However, with load generating devices that generate a predetermined load using weights, such as non-electrified training equipment, it is difficult to finely adjust the load. The present disclosure aims to provide a training system that allows for more precise load adjustment than conventional systems.

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention provides a training system comprising: a load generating device that generates a predetermined load; a reel having a rotating shaft member and rotating around the rotating shaft member; a cable connected at one end to the load generating device and unwound from the reel when the rotating shaft member rotates in a predetermined direction; a magnetorheological fluid device that brakes the rotating shaft member by applying a magnetic field to a magnetorheological fluid; and a control unit, wherein the control unit comprises a load acquisition unit that acquires the magnitude of the predetermined load generated by the load generating device; a display control unit that displays a screen used to set the load to be used in training on a predetermined display unit; an input receiving unit that accepts input of a set value of the load to be used in training; and a braking force control unit that controls the magnetorheological fluid device so that the total load, obtained by adding the braking force generated by the magnetorheological fluid device to the predetermined load acquired by the load acquisition unit, becomes the set value.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a training system that allows for more detailed load adjustment than conventional systems can be provided.

[0007] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a general configuration of a training system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a load control unit as seen from the left side in the left-right direction. Fig. 3 is a block diagram of a training system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 is a sequence diagram showing a setting method for a training system SYS according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a detailed setting screen. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing another example of a setting screen. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing another example of a detailed setting screen.

[0008] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a training system according to one embodiment of the present invention. The training system SYS shown in Fig. 1 includes a training apparatus 100, a load control unit 1, a support device 200, and a display device 30. The load control unit 1 and the support device 200 are attached to the training apparatus 100. Hereinafter, the up-down direction, the left-right direction, and the front-rear direction will be defined as shown in Fig. 1.

[0009] The training device 100 shown in FIG. 1 is an example of a load generating device, and employs a weight stack system, and includes a frame 101, a first cable 102, a pulley group 103, a weight stack 104, a lift shaft 105-1, a left guide shaft 105-2, and a right guide shaft 105-3.

[0010] The frame 101 is a skeleton that supports the weight stack 104. The frame 101 shown in FIG. 1 includes a right frame 101-1, an upper frame 101-2, a left frame 101-3, and a lower frame 101-4. The right frame 101-1 and the left frame 101-3 are pillars that extend in the vertical direction. The upper frame 101-2 connects the upper end of the right frame 101-1 to the upper end of the left frame 101-3. The lower frame 101-4 connects the lower end of the right frame 101-1 to the lower end of the left frame 101-3.

[0011] One end 102a of the first cable 102 is located outside the frame 101 of the training device 100. An attachment appropriate for the training to be performed by a user of the training device 100 (hereinafter simply referred to as the user) is connected to the one end 102a of the first cable 102. The training includes exercises for strengthening muscles and rehabilitation. The other end 102b of the first cable 102 is fixed to the upper frame 101-2. For example, by connecting a handle to the one end 102a of the first cable 102, the training device 100 functions as an adjustable pulley.

[0012] The pulley group 103 is arranged to smooth the movement of the first cable 102, and each pulley has a rotatable structure. The pulley group 103 shown in Figure 1 includes pulley 103-1, pulley 103-2, pulley 103-3, and pulley 103-4. The pulley 103-4 is a movable pulley that is hung on the first cable 102 and is connected to the tip of the lift shaft 105-1.

[0013] The weight stack 104 is an example of a load generating section. In the weight stack 104, multiple weight plates are stacked vertically along the left guide shaft 105-2 and the right guide shaft 105-3. The weight stack 104 is configured so that the load applied to the first cable 102 can be adjusted for each weight plate. For example, if each weight plate weighs 2 kg and there are ten weight plates, the weight of the weight stack 104 can be adjusted from a minimum of 2 kg to a maximum of 20 kg. In this case, if the pulley 103-4 is included, the load applied to the user is halved, from 1 kg to 10 kg. In FIG. 1 , a weight pin P is inserted into one of the multiple weight plates. The weight plate with the weight pin P inserted and the weight plate located above it are integrated with the lift shaft 105-1. Hereinafter, the weight plate integrated with the lift shaft 105-1 by the weight pin P will be referred to as the first weight.

[0014] When a user performs training by pulling the handle connected to one end 102a of first cable 102, a load equivalent to the weight plate integrated with lift shaft 105-1 is applied upward to one end 102a of first cable 102. When the user pulls down the handle against the load, first cable 102 is pulled out to the outside of training apparatus 100. Because the other end 102b of first cable 102 is fixed to upper frame 101-2, when first cable 102 is pulled out to the outside of training apparatus 100, pulley 103-4, lift shaft 105-1 connected to pulley 103-4, the first weight, and the weight plate arranged above the first weight are lifted upward.

[0015] A load control unit 1 is attached to the training device 100 directly below the weight stack 104. The load control unit 1 is attached to, for example, a non-electrified load generating device such as the training device 100, and is used to adjust the load applied to the user.

[0016] Users such as professional athletes who aim to increase muscle mass and improve explosive power through meticulous training plans desire the ability to precisely adjust the load used in their training. However, with non-electrical load generators such as the training device 100, it is difficult to adjust the load more precisely than the weight of the weight plates included in the weight stack 104, and this has sometimes prevented users from meeting their needs. The load control unit 1 adds a load that can be adjusted more precisely than the weight of the weight plates included in the weight stack 104 to the load generated by the weight stack 104, thereby enabling precise adjustment of the load applied to the user.

[0017] The display device 30 is, for example, an information terminal such as a tablet terminal or a smartphone. The display device 30 has at least a display unit, such as a liquid crystal display, that can display at least a screen used for operating the load control unit 1, and an operation member, such as a touch panel. The load control unit 1 and the display device 30 will be described later with reference to FIG. 3.

[0018] The support device 200 supports the display device 30 so that the display device 30 is positioned at a position desired by the user in a posture desired by the user. The support device 200 is attached to the left frame 101-3 of the training apparatus 100 via an attachment portion 201. An arm 202 is connected to the attachment portion 201. The arm 202 is, for example, an articulated arm, a flexible arm, or the like. A holding portion 203 is connected to the end of the arm 202 opposite the end attached to the attachment portion 201. The holding portion 203 has, for example, a storage portion 203-1 and a tilting portion 203-2. The storage portion 203-1 has a space inside that can store the display device 30. The tilting portion 203-2 is, for example, a two-axis hinge, and tilts the storage portion 203-1 with respect to the extension direction 202a of the arm 202. The user can move the arm 202 to place the display device 30 in a desired position, and use the tilting portion 203-2 to orient the housing portion 203-1 in a desired direction, thereby orienting the display device 30 in a desired direction.

[0019] The load control unit 1 can communicate wirelessly or wired with the display device 30. For example, the load control unit 1 can communicate with the display device 30 by short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0020] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of load control unit 1 as viewed from the left side in the left-right direction. As shown in Figure 2, load control unit 1 includes reel 11, second cable 12, rotation detection unit 13, magnetorheological fluid device 14, and laser distance measuring device 19 inside unit case 17. Load control unit 1 also includes control device 15 housed inside protective case 18. Control device 15 is, for example, a semiconductor board equipped with a microcontroller.

[0021] The reel 11 has a rotary shaft member 11a and rotates around the rotary shaft member 11a. A second cable 12 is wound around the reel 11. The tip 12a of the second cable 12 is tied to a joint 12b. The second cable 12 is connected to the lower end of the lift shaft 105-1 via the joint 12b.

[0022] The rotation detector 13 detects the amount and direction of rotation of the rotating shaft member 11a. The rotation detector 13 is, for example, a rotary encoder, a magnetic sensor, or the like. When the lift shaft 105-1 rises, the rotating shaft member 11a rotates in the normal direction, and the second cable 12 is unwound from the reel 11. At this time, the rotation detector 13 transmits to the control device 15 a detection signal including information indicating that the rotating shaft member 11a has rotated in the normal direction and information indicating the amount of rotation.

[0023] The rotating shaft member 11a is biased in the reverse direction opposite to the normal rotation direction by a biasing member such as a spiral spring. When the magnetorheological fluid device 14 is not applying a braking force, the second cable 12 is wound onto the reel 11 by the biasing force of the biasing member.

[0024] The magnetorheological fluid device 14 has a magnetorheological fluid 14a and a container 14b that stores the magnetorheological fluid 14a. The magnetorheological fluid 14a has a characteristic that its viscosity changes depending on the strength of a magnetic field. The container 14b has an opening 14c on its side that faces the reel 11 in the front-to-rear direction. A portion 11b of the rotating shaft member 11a is inserted into the container 14b through the opening 14c.

[0025] The magnetorheological fluid device 14 applies a magnetic field to the magnetorheological fluid 14a, thereby changing the viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid 14a and braking the rotation of the rotating shaft member 11a. Specifically, the magnetorheological fluid device 14 has a rotor to which the rotating shaft member 11a is fixed and a coil that applies a magnetic field to the rotor. The magnetorheological fluid device 14 generates a magnetic field by passing an electric current through the coil. This magnetic field changes the viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid 14a. The change in the viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid 14a brakes the rotation of the rotor, i.e., the rotation of the rotating shaft member 11a, by impeding it. Hereinafter, the load due to the weight stack 104 plus the braking force generated by the magnetorheological fluid device 14 will be referred to as the total load.

[0026] When the lift shaft 105-1 is lifted upward, the second cable 12 connected to the lower end of the lift shaft 105-1 via the joint 12b is unwound from the reel 11. At this time, the load control unit 1 applies an additional load to the load caused by the weight stack 104 by causing the magnetorheological fluid device 14 to apply a braking force to the rotating shaft member 11a of the reel 11.

[0027] The laser distance measuring device 19 measures the distance to the first weight among the multiple weight plates included in the weight stack 104. The laser distance measuring device 19 is housed on the upper surface side of the unit case 17, and the laser light emitting surface and light receiving surface are exposed to the outside of the unit case 17.

[0028] 2 shows the weight plates that make up the weight stack 104, including the bottom weight plate 104-1, the second-lowest weight plate 104-2, and the third-lowest weight plate 104-3. The weight plates that make up the weight stack 104 each have a pin insertion hole into which a weight pin P can be inserted. For example, weight plate 104-1 has a pin insertion hole 104-1h, and weight plate 104-2 has a pin insertion hole 104-2h. In FIG. 2, the weight pin P is inserted into the pin insertion hole 104-2h of weight plate 104-2, and weight plate 104-2 is the first weight.

[0029] The lift shaft 105-1 has pin insertion holes 105-1h that correspond to the pin insertion holes 104-2h of the weight plates 104-2 that make up the weight stack 104. The weight pins P are inserted from the front openings of the pin insertion holes 104-2h of the weight plate 104-2, pass through the pin insertion holes 105-1h at positions corresponding to the weight plate 104-2, and reach the rear sides of the pin insertion holes 104-2h. This allows the weight plate 104-2 to become one with the lift shaft 105-1.

[0030] The laser light emitted from the light-emitting unit of the laser distance measuring device 19 is reflected by the weight pin P inserted into the pin insertion hole 104-2h of the weight plate 104-2 and enters the light-receiving unit of the laser distance measuring device 19. The laser distance measuring device 19 transmits to the control device 15 a signal indicating the phase difference between the laser light emitted from the light-emitting unit and the laser light incident on the light-receiving unit, the time difference between the time when the laser light is emitted from the light-emitting unit and the time when the laser light is incident on the light-receiving unit, or the angle difference between the laser light emitted from the light-emitting unit and the laser light incident on the light-receiving unit. The control device 15 is an example of an estimation unit, and acquires the distance between the laser distance measuring device 19 and the weight pin P based on the signal received from the laser distance measuring device 19, estimates the total weight of the first weight and the weight plate arranged above the first weight, and estimates the load caused by the weight stack 104. In the case of FIG. 2, the control device 15 estimates the total weight of the weight plate 104-2, which is the first weight, and the weight plates arranged above the weight plate 104-2, and estimates the load caused by the weight stack 104.

[0031] 3 is a block diagram of a training system SYS according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the load control unit 1 includes a rotation detection unit 13, a magnetorheological fluid device 14, a laser distance measuring device 19, a first control unit 20, a communication unit 21, a main memory unit 22, an auxiliary memory unit 23, and a voltage conversion unit 24. The display device 30 includes a second control unit 31, a display 32, a touch panel 33, a communication unit 34, a main memory unit 35, and an auxiliary memory unit 36.

[0032] The first control unit 20, communication unit 21, main memory unit 22, auxiliary memory unit 23, and voltage conversion unit 24 of the load control unit 1 are arranged in the control device 15. The first control unit 20 is realized, for example, by a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessing unit (MPU). The communication unit 21 is realized, for example, by a microcomputer for communication control, and performs short-range wireless communication with the display device 30. The main memory unit 22 is a volatile storage medium such as a random access memory (RAM). The auxiliary storage unit 23 is a non-volatile storage medium such as a read-only memory (ROM), a hard disk drive (HDD), or a flash memory. The first control unit 20 uses the main memory unit 22 as a working area and executes programs stored in the auxiliary storage unit 23 to control each component of the load control unit 1, such as the magnetorheological fluid device 14.

[0033] The voltage conversion unit 24 inputs a drive voltage to the magnetorheological fluid device 14 under the control of the first control unit 20. The voltage conversion unit 24 includes, for example, a voltage amplifier circuit using a transistor, and amplifies the voltage of the electrical signal output from the first control unit 20 to a drive voltage for the magnetorheological fluid device 14. The voltage amplifier circuit using a transistor can be, for example, a grounded emitter circuit. The first control unit 20 controls the voltage conversion unit 24 to modulate the electrical signal input to the magnetorheological fluid device 14, thereby changing the braking force of the magnetorheological fluid device 14. For example, the voltage conversion unit 24 changes the braking force of the magnetorheological fluid device 14 by pulse-width modulating the electrical signal input to the magnetorheological fluid device 14.

[0034] The second control unit 31 is realized by, for example, a CPU or an MPU. The communication unit 34 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer for communication control, and performs short-range wireless communication with the load control unit 1. The main memory 35 is, for example, a volatile storage medium such as RAM. The auxiliary memory 36 is, for example, a non-volatile storage medium such as ROM, HDD, or flash memory. The second control unit 31 controls each unit of the display device 30 by using the main memory 35 as a working area and executing programs stored in the auxiliary memory 36.

[0035] The display 32 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. An image is displayed on the display 32 in response to an input signal from the second control unit 31. The touch panel 33 is, for example, a capacitance-type touch panel, and is an input device used in combination with the display 32.

[0036] The first control unit 20 of the load control unit 1 and the second control unit 31 of the display device 30 are examples of control units. The first control unit 20 and the second control unit 31 cooperate with each other or either one of them executes a load acquisition process, a display control process, an input acceptance process, and a braking force control process. In the load acquisition process, the magnitude of the load applied by the weight stack 104 is acquired. In the display control process, a screen used to set the load used in training is displayed on a predetermined display screen. In the input acceptance process, input of a set value for the load used in training is accepted. In the braking force control process, the magnetorheological fluid device 14 is controlled so that the total load becomes the set value accepted in the input acceptance process. Examples of the load acquisition process, the display control process, the input acceptance process, and the braking force control process will be described using FIG. 4 .

[0037] 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a setting method for the training system SYS according to one embodiment of the present invention. At the start of the process shown in FIG. 4, the load control unit 1 and the display device 30 are assumed to have started short-range wireless communication between the communication units 21 and 34.

[0038] (Load Acquisition Process) In S201, the second control unit 31 of the display device 30 controls the communication unit 34 to send a load transmission request to the control device 15. The load transmission request requests the load control unit 1 to transmit information about the load generated by a load generating device such as the training apparatus 100 and the braking force that the load control unit 1 can apply using the magnetorheological fluid device 14. The first control unit 20 controls the communication unit 21 to receive the load transmission request. Upon receiving the load transmission request, the first control unit 20 estimates the load caused by the weight stack 104 (S301). For example, the first control unit 20 estimates the distance between the laser distance measuring device 19 and the weight pin P based on a signal received from the laser distance measuring device 19, estimates the total weight of the first weight and the weight plate disposed above the first weight, and estimates the load caused by the weight stack 104. The first control unit 20 causes the estimated load caused by the weight stack 104 to be transmitted to the display device 30 (S202). At this time, the first control unit 20 may further transmit information relating to the maximum and minimum values ​​of the braking force generated by the magnetorheological fluid device 14 to the display device 30. If information relating to the maximum and minimum values ​​of the braking force generated by the magnetorheological fluid device 14 is pre-stored in the auxiliary storage unit 36 ​​of the display device 30, the first control unit 20 does not need to re-transmit information relating to the maximum and minimum values ​​of the braking force generated by the magnetorheological fluid device 14 in S202.

[0039] (Display Control Process) The second control unit 31 of the display device 30 receives the load estimation result from the weight stack 104 and displays on the display 32 a setting screen used to input a set value of the load to be used in training (S203). The setting screen displayed on the display 32 in S203 will be described in detail later using Figures 5 and 6.

[0040] (Input Reception Process) The user, viewing the setting screen displayed on the display 32, uses the touch panel 33 to input a set value for the load to be used in training (S101). After that, the second control unit 31 of the display device 30, which operates the touch panel, receives input of the set value for the load to be used in training and transmits the input set value to the control device 15 of the load control unit 1 (S204). Here, the person operating the touch panel is not limited to the user, and may also be an instructor who provides training guidance to the user.

[0041] (Braking Force Control Process) When the first control unit 20 receives the set value of the load used for training, it controls the magnetorheological fluid device 14 so that the total load becomes the set value. For example, the first control unit 20 subtracts the estimated value of the load by the weight stack 104 from the set value of the load used for training to calculate the braking force to be generated by the magnetorheological fluid device 14. The control device 15 sets the duty ratio of the pulse width modulation performed by the voltage conversion unit 24 based on the calculation result of the braking force to be generated by the magnetorheological fluid device 14 (S302).

[0042] (Settings Screen) Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of a settings screen displayed on the display 32 in S202. Tabs used to switch screens are displayed at the bottom of the display screen of the display 32. In Figure 5, of the tabs displayed at the bottom of the display screen of the display 32, a settings tab 301 for displaying a settings screen 300S is selected. A bar display section 302, a detailed settings button 303, and a training start button 304 are displayed on the settings screen 300S.

[0043] The bar display unit 302 displays a bar corresponding to the range of values ​​that the total load can take. One end of the bar displayed in the bar display unit 302 corresponds to a first value in the range of values ​​that the total load can take, and the other end corresponds to a second value in the range of values ​​that the total load can take. Here, the first value and the second value are different, and the second value may be any value greater than the first value. In the example of FIG. 5 , the bar displayed in the bar display unit 302 extends vertically, and the lower end of the bar is marked with a first value 321 in the range of values ​​that the total load can take, and the upper end is marked with a second value 322 in the range of values ​​that the total load can take. In the example of FIG. 5 , the estimated load value by the weight stack 104 is 40 kgf, and the braking force generated by the magnetorheological fluid device 14 has a minimum value of 0 kgf and a maximum value of 20 kgf. The first value 321 of the possible range of the total load displays a value obtained by adding the minimum value of the braking force generated by the magnetorheological fluid device 14 to the estimated value of the load by the weight stack 104. The second value 322 of the possible range of the total load displays a value obtained by adding the maximum value of the braking force generated by the magnetorheological fluid device 14 to the estimated value of the load by the weight stack 104. In the example shown in Fig. 5, the first value 321 and the second value 322 of the possible range of the total load are displayed converted into the mass of the weights, etc.

[0044] In the bar display unit 302, a bar is formed by arranging 15 rows of square markers M vertically. The markers M can be displayed in a low-brightness achromatic color such as black or gray, as in marker Ma, or in a white or chromatic color, as in marker Mb. When the set value of the load used for training is a first value 321, all of the 15 rows of markers M are markers Ma. When the set value of the load used for training is a second value 322, all of the 15 rows of markers M are markers Mb. When the set value of the load used for training is greater than the first value 321 and less than the second value 322, markers Mb are displayed from the bottom to the row corresponding to the set value, and markers Ma are displayed above the row corresponding to the set value. In FIG. 5 , markers Mb are displayed up to the 11th row, and the set value of the load used for training is 40 + 20 × 11 / 15 = 54.7 kgf.

[0045] An operation instruction icon 323 is displayed near the bar display unit 302. The operation instruction icon 323 indicates an operation of moving a finger while touching the touch panel 33. By displaying the operation instruction icon 323 near the bar display unit 302, the user can intuitively understand what operation to perform. As shown in the operation instruction icon 323, when the user touches the display area of ​​the bar display unit 302 with a finger and moves the finger appropriately to perform an input operation of specifying a position (S101 in FIG. 4), the marker M up to the row including the specified position becomes the marker Mb.

[0046] If there is no input operation to the bar display section 302 for a predetermined time (for example, one second) or more, the second control section 31 transmits the setting value corresponding to the displayed marker Mb to the control device 15 of the load control unit 1.

[0047] The display color of the marker Mb may change from the bottom end to the specified position. For example, the display color of the marker Mb may change so that the saturation gradually increases from the bottom end to the specified position. By increasing the saturation as the marker Mb approaches the second value 322 of the bar display unit 302 and displaying the marker Mb darker, the user can be impressed with the fact that the set value of the load used for training is set high.

[0048] When the user performs an input operation to select the advanced settings button 303, an advanced settings screen 331S opens, as shown in Fig. 6, for more detailed setting of the load setting value used in training. The advanced settings screen 331S is a drum roll-style picker, and is a screen for setting the load setting value used in training in increments of 0.1 kgf, for example. The advanced settings screen 331S includes a current value field 332 that indicates the current candidate value that is the setting value being adjusted, a picker 333 for changing the setting value in increments of 1 kgf, a picker 334 for changing the setting value in increments of 0.1 kgf, and a setting completion button 335.

[0049] When a user touches the display area of ​​picker 333 with a finger and moves the finger up and down, the numerical value displayed in picker 333 moves up and down. When a user touches the display area of ​​picker 334 with a finger and moves the finger up and down, the numerical value displayed in picker 334 moves up and down. In pickers 333 and 334, the numerical value in the row where setting completion button 335 is displayed is emphasized more than the numerical values ​​in the other rows. For example, the numerical value in the row where setting completion button 335 is displayed is displayed larger than the numerical values ​​in the other rows, the numerical value is underlined, and is displayed in a color that stands out more than the numerical values ​​in the other rows.

[0050] If there is no input operation to picker 333 and picker 334 for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 1 second) or more, the second control unit 31 transmits the setting value corresponding to the numerical value of the row on which the setting completion button 335 is displayed in pickers 333 and 334 to the control device 15 of the load control unit 1.

[0051] When a predetermined operation is performed while the detailed setting screen 331S shown in Fig. 6 is open, the detailed setting screen 331S closes. For example, when the detailed setting screen 331S is open and the user touches the display area outside the detailed setting screen 331S or the display area of ​​the setting completion button 335, the detailed setting screen 331S closes and the setting screen 300S shown in Fig. 5 is displayed again. When the display area of ​​the setting completion button 335 shown in Fig. 6 is touched, the marker M up to the step corresponding to the load setting value selected on the detailed setting screen 331S changes to a marker Mb in the bar display portion 302 of the setting screen 300S shown in Fig. 5 that is displayed again.

[0052] When an input operation is performed to select the display area of ​​the training start button 304 shown in Figure 5, the setting value last sent to the control device 15 of the load control unit 1 is set as the setting value of the load to be used for training (S204 in Figure 4).

[0053] The control device 15 of the load control unit 1 controls the magnetorheological fluid device 14 so that the total load becomes the set value of the load used for training that has been received. The control device 15 subtracts the estimated value of the load by the weight stack 104 from the set value of the load used for training, and calculates the braking force to be generated by the magnetorheological fluid device 14. Based on the calculation result of the braking force to be generated by the magnetorheological fluid device 14, the control device 15 sets the duty ratio of the pulse width modulation performed by the voltage conversion unit 24. The duty ratio can be adjusted in predetermined steps. For example, the duty ratio is represented by a k-digit bit string, and 2 k By adjusting the duty ratio by one step, the braking force generated by the magnetorheological fluid device 14 can be adjusted by the following formula: Δf=(maximum value of braking force−minimum value of braking force) / 2 kThe duty ratio changes by only [kgf]. Since the setting value can be changed in increments of 0.1 kgf using the detailed setting screen 331S, the number of digits k in the bit string representing the duty ratio is set to a value such that Δf is at least 0.1 kgf or less. The number of digits k in the bit string representing the duty ratio is determined by the allowable error of the braking force applied by controlling the magnetorheological fluid device 14. For example, if the allowable error of the braking force is 5%, the braking force will be adjusted in increments of 5% of 0.1 kgf, i.e., 0.005 kgf. When the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the braking force is 20 kgf, the number of digits k in the bit string representing the duty ratio will be at least 12. 20 / 2 12 <0.005<20 / 2 11

[0054] As the load used in daily training gradually increases, the user can feel his or her own progress, growth, and recovery. By allowing the user to finely set the setting values ​​using the detailed setting screen 331S, the user has more opportunities to feel his or her own progress, growth, and recovery, and the user's motivation can be maintained. Furthermore, by intuitively conveying the setting values, as in the bar display portion 302 of the setting screen 300S, the user can easily feel his or her own progress, growth, and recovery.

[0055] [Modifications] In the above embodiment, the load control unit 1 is attached to the weight stack type training apparatus 100. However, the load generating device to which the load control unit 1 is attached is not limited to the weight stack type training apparatus 100. For example, the load control unit 1 may be attached to a load generating device such as a plate loading type or a power rack type training apparatus.

[0056] Furthermore, the pulley 103-4 is not an essential component of the training device 100. If the training device 100 does not include the pulley 103-4, the other end 102b of the first cable 102 fixed to the upper frame 101-2 in FIG. 1 may be connected to the tip of the lift shaft 105-1.

[0057] In the above embodiment, the user viewing the setting screen 300S or the like performs input operations using the touch panel 33. However, the input device used by the user for input operations is not limited to the touch panel 33. In the input acceptance process, input operations may be accepted using various input devices other than the touch panel 33, such as a keyboard.

[0058] In the above embodiment, the training system SYS has been described as including one training apparatus 100, which is an example of a load generating device, and one load control unit 1 associated with the load generating device. However, the training system SYS may include multiple load generating devices and multiple load control units. For example, the training system SYS may include a training apparatus 100 and a load control unit 1 used to train the user's left arm and left leg, and a training apparatus 100 and a load control unit 1 used to train the user's right arm and right leg. Even if the training system SYS includes multiple training apparatuses 100 and multiple load control units 1, only one display device 30 is required. Setting the load used for training in a training system SYS including multiple training apparatuses 100 and multiple load control units 1 will be described using FIGS. 7 and 8 .

[0059] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen 300D when the training system SYS is equipped with two training apparatuses 100 and two load control units 1. The setting screen 300D shown in Fig. 7 includes a bar display section 302L and a detailed setting button 303L used to set the load used in training the left arm and the left leg, and a bar display section 302R and a detailed setting button 303R used to set the load used in training the right arm and the right leg.

[0060] Bar display section 302L displays a bar corresponding to the range of values ​​that can be assumed by the total load of training apparatus 100 and load control unit 1 used for training the left arm or left leg. Bar display section 302R displays a bar corresponding to the range of values ​​that can be assumed by the total load of training apparatus 100 and load control unit 1 used for training the right arm or right leg.

[0061] 7, the synchronization button 324 may be disposed between the bar display unit 302L and the bar display unit 302R. When the user performs an input operation to select the display area of ​​the synchronization button 324, the last input operation performed by the user on either the bar display unit 302L or 302R before the user performs an input operation to select the display area of ​​the synchronization button 324 is reflected on the other bar display unit 302L or 302R. In other words, the ranges of the marker Mb are aligned horizontally.

[0062] 7, the loads imposed by the weight stacks 104 of the left and right training apparatuses 100 are the same, but the loads imposed by the weight stacks 104 of the left and right training apparatuses 100 may be different. In this case, the first value 321L and the second value 322L attached to the bar display portion 302L may be different from the first value 321R and the second value 322R attached to the bar display portion 302R, respectively.

[0063] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a detailed setting screen 331D when the training system SYS is equipped with two training apparatuses 100 and two load control units 1. As shown in Fig. 8, the detailed setting screen 331D includes a current value field 332L and pickers 333L and 334L for setting the load used in training the left arm and left leg, and a current value field 332R and pickers 333R and 334R for setting the load used in training the right arm and right leg.

[0064] In the above embodiment, the first control unit 20 of the control device 15 estimates the load due to the weight stack 104 using the laser distance measuring device 19. However, the method of obtaining the load due to the weight stack 104 is not limited to the method using the laser distance measuring device 19. For example, a load cell may be placed under the weight stack 104, and the load due to the weight stack 104 may be obtained based on the difference in weight of the weight stack 104 before and after the operation of pulling the first cable 102.

[0065] Furthermore, the load due to the weight stack 104 may be acquired under the control of the second control unit 31 of the display device 30. That is, the second control unit 31 of the display device 30 may function as a load acquisition unit. For example, the second control unit 31 of the display device 30 may control the laser distance measuring device 19 or the load cell to acquire the value of the load due to the weight stack 104.

[0066] In the above embodiment, the control device 15 of the load control unit 1 controls the magnetorheological fluid device 14 so that the total load becomes the load used for training. However, the magnetorheological fluid device 14 may be controlled by the second control device 31 of the display device 30 instead of by the first control device 20 of the control device 15.

[0067] In the above embodiment and modified example, the setting screen 300S or 300D is displayed on the display 32 of the display device 30. However, the load control unit 1 may be provided with a display 32 and a touch panel 33, and the first control unit 20 may display the setting screen 300S or 300D on the display 32 of the load control unit 1. Furthermore, the first control unit 20 may accept an input operation of the set value of the load used for training performed using the touch panel 33 of the load control unit 1.

[0068] The first control unit 20 of the load control unit 1 may function as a display control unit that displays the setting screen 300S or 300D on the display 32 of the display device 30. The first control unit 20 of the load control unit 1 may function as an input receiving unit that receives input operations via the touch panel 33 of the display device 30.

[0069] In the above embodiment and modified example, the various controls performed by the first control unit 20 of the control device 15 may be performed by a communication control microcomputer of the communication unit 21. When the various controls performed by the first control unit 20 are performed by a communication control microcomputer of the communication unit 21, the load control unit 1 does not need to have the first control unit 20.

[0070] In the above embodiment, the voltage conversion unit 24 changes the duty ratio under the control of the first control unit 20 to pulse-width modulate the electrical signal input to the magnetorheological fluid device 14, thereby changing the braking force of the magnetorheological fluid device 14. However, the modulation performed by the voltage conversion unit 24 on the electrical signal input to the magnetorheological fluid device 14 may be a modulation method other than pulse-width modulation, or may be a modulation method that is an improvement over pulse-width modulation.

[0071] In the above embodiment and modified example, the setting screen 300S or 300D is described as displaying a bar with 15 vertically arranged square markers M. However, the bar displayed in the bar display section 302 of the setting screen 300S or 300D may have any shape as long as it corresponds to the range of values ​​that the total load can take. For example, the bar displayed in the bar display section 302 may be an arc that corresponds to the range of values ​​that the total load can take.

[0072] [Example of implementation using software] The functions of the control device 15 and display device 30 (hereinafter referred to as "device") of the load control unit 1 can be realized by a program for causing a computer to function as the device, and a program for causing a computer to function as each control block of the device (particularly each part included in the first control unit 20 and the second control unit 31).

[0073] In this case, the device includes a computer having at least one control device (e.g., a processor) and at least one storage device (e.g., a memory) as hardware for executing the program. The functions described in each of the above embodiments are realized by executing the program using the control device and storage device.

[0074] The program may be non-transitory and may be recorded on one or more computer-readable recording media. The recording media may or may not be included in the device. In the latter case, the program may be supplied to the device via any wired or wireless transmission medium.

[0075] In addition, some or all of the functions of each of the control blocks can be realized by logic circuits. For example, integrated circuits in which logic circuits that function as each of the control blocks are formed are also included in the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the functions of each of the control blocks can also be realized by, for example, a quantum computer.

[0076] Furthermore, each process described in each of the above embodiments may be executed by AI (Artificial Intelligence). In this case, the AI ​​may run on the control device or on another device (for example, an edge computer or a cloud server).

[0077] [Summary] The training system according to aspect 1 of the present invention is a training system comprising: a load generating device that generates a predetermined load; a reel having a rotating shaft member and rotating around the rotating shaft member; a cable connected at one end to the load generating device and unwinding from the reel when the rotating shaft member rotates in a predetermined direction; a magnetorheological fluid device that brakes the rotating shaft member by applying a magnetic field to a magnetorheological fluid; and a control unit, wherein the control unit comprises a load acquisition unit that acquires the magnitude of the predetermined load generated by the load generating device; a display control unit that displays on a predetermined display screen a screen used to set the load to be used for training; an input receiving unit that accepts input of a set value for the load to be used for training; and a braking force control unit that controls the magnetorheological fluid device so that the total load obtained by the load acquisition unit plus the braking force generated by the magnetorheological fluid device becomes the set value.

[0078] In the training system configured as above, the load can be adjusted more precisely than before.

[0079] A training system according to aspect 2 of the present invention is the same as in aspect 1 above, wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to display a bar corresponding to a range of values ​​that the total load can take, one end of the bar corresponding to a first value in the range of values ​​that the total load can take, and the other end of the bar corresponding to a second value in the range of values ​​that the total load can take, and the input accepting unit accepts input specifying a specified position between the one end and the other end of the bar, thereby accepting input of the set value.

[0080] In the training system configured as above, the set value can be intuitively set using the bar.

[0081] A training system according to a third aspect of the present invention is the training system according to the second aspect, wherein the display mode of the bar is different between the section from the one end to the specified position and the section from the specified position to the other end.

[0082] In the training system configured as above, the user can intuitively grasp the set value by looking at the bar.

[0083] A training system according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is based on the second or third aspect, and wherein the display control unit gradually increases the saturation of the display color of the bar from the one end to the specified position.

[0084] In the training system configured as above, it is possible to impress upon the user that the set value is set high.

[0085] A training system according to aspect 5 of the present invention is any of aspects 2 to 4 above, wherein the braking force control unit is capable of controlling the braking force generated by the magnetorheological fluid device more precisely than the minimum value of the specified load generated by the load generating device, the display control unit displays candidate values ​​for the setting value on the display unit, and the input accepting unit accepts input that changes the candidate values ​​by digit.

[0086] In the training system configured as described above, the load can be adjusted more finely than the load generated by a load generating device such as the training machine 100 .

[0087] A training system according to aspect 6 of the present invention is any one of aspects 1 to 5 above, wherein the braking force control unit applies to the magnetorheological fluid device an electrical signal modulated according to the set value received as input by the input receiving unit.

[0088] According to the above configuration, the magnetorheological fluid device 14 can be used to achieve more precise load adjustment than the load generated by the load generating device.

[0089] A training system according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the training system according to the sixth aspect, wherein the braking force control section applies to the magnetorheological fluid device the electrical signal pulse-width modulated at a duty ratio corresponding to the set value.

[0090] According to the above configuration, the magnetorheological fluid device 14 can be used to achieve more precise load adjustment than the load generated by the load generating device.

[0091] [Additional Notes] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0092] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Load control unit 11 Reel 11a Rotating shaft member 12 Second cable 14 Magnetorheological fluid device 15 Control device 19 Laser distance measuring device 20 First control unit 24 Voltage conversion unit 30 Display device 31 Second control unit 32 Display 33 Touch panel 100 Training equipment 104 Weight stack 300D, 300S Setting screen 302, 302L, 302R Bar display unit 321, 321L, 321R First value 322, 322L, 322R Second value 331D, 331S Detailed setting screen 333, 333L, 333R, 334 Picker SYS Training system

Claims

1. A training system comprising: a load generating device that generates a predetermined load; a reel having a rotating shaft member and rotating around the rotating shaft member; a cable connected at one end to the load generating device and unwound from the reel when the rotating shaft member rotates in a predetermined direction; a magnetorheological fluid device that brakes the rotating shaft member by applying a magnetic field to a magnetorheological fluid; and a control unit, wherein the control unit comprises: a load acquisition unit that acquires the magnitude of the predetermined load generated by the load generating device; a display control unit that displays on a predetermined display unit a screen used to set the load to be used in training; an input receiving unit that accepts input of a set value of the load to be used in training; and a braking force control unit that controls the magnetorheological fluid device so that the total load, obtained by adding the braking force generated by the magnetorheological fluid device to the predetermined load acquired by the load acquisition unit, becomes the set value.

2. The training system of claim 1, wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to display a bar corresponding to a numerical range that the total load can take, one end of the bar corresponds to a first value in the numerical range that the total load can take, and the other end of the bar corresponds to a second value in the numerical range that the total load can take, and the input accepting unit accepts input specifying a specified position between the one end and the other end of the bar, thereby accepting input of the set value.

3. The training system according to claim 2, wherein the display control unit changes the display mode of the bar from the one end to the specified position to that from the specified position to the other end.

4. The training system according to claim 2, wherein the display control unit gradually increases the saturation of the display color of the bar from the one end to the specified position.

5. The training system described in claim 2, wherein the braking force control unit is capable of controlling the braking force generated by the magnetorheological fluid device more precisely than the minimum value of the specified load generated by the load generating device, the display control unit displays candidate values ​​for the setting value on the display unit, and the input accepting unit accepts input that changes the candidate values ​​by digits.

6. A training system according to claim 1, wherein the braking force control unit applies to the magnetorheological fluid device an electric signal modulated in accordance with the set value input by the input receiving unit.

7. A training system according to claim 6, wherein the braking force control section applies to the magnetorheological fluid device the electrical signal pulse-width modulated at a duty ratio corresponding to the set value.

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