Exercise course and image content provision method, program, and exercise apparatus

Abstract

Disclosed, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, is an exercise course and image content provision method performed by an exercise apparatus. The method comprises the steps of: sensing the movement of a handle part or a foot pad part of the exercise apparatus, moving by the exercising of a user; and displaying image content corresponding to an exercise course that is selected through an input / output unit of the exercise apparatus, the displaying being performed, in accordance with the moving of the handle part or the foot pad part, so as to be as if the user is walking in the selected exercise course, wherein the image content includes a trail, and the trail may be reproduced so as to move in accordance with the moving of the handle part or the foot pad part.

Description

Method for providing exercise courses and video content, programs and exercise devices

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method, program, and exercise device for providing an exercise course and video content by reflecting terrain characteristics appearing in video content.

[0002] There are various types and functions of exercise equipment available on the market. Representative examples include treadmills and cycling machines. Treadmills provide users with the exercise benefits of walking and running, allowing them to improve cardiovascular and muscular endurance by adjusting the speed and incline while moving on a belt. Cycling machines enable indoor exercise similar to riding a bicycle, strengthening leg muscles and promoting cardiovascular health through the resistance of pedaling.

[0003] However, due to the nature of indoor exercise, these machines have the disadvantage of requiring the repetition of fixed movements. Such repetitive exercise can easily lead to boredom, which may result in a shorter duration of workouts. Consequently, this fails to deliver sufficient exercise benefits to the user. Furthermore, existing indoor exercise equipment requires users to manually adjust the exercise load. For example, users must manually control the speed or incline on treadmills, or the gears on cycling machines. This can prevent users from fully engaging in the workout, thereby exacerbating boredom.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for exercise devices that can extend the duration of exercise by stimulating interest through a realistic experience, even indoors, that mimics exercising outdoors. Furthermore, there is a demand for the development of equipment that allows users to focus on their workout more comfortably by automatically adjusting the exercise load.

[0005] The present disclosure is devised in response to the aforementioned background technology and aims to provide a method, program, and exercise device that recognizes a user's exercise and displays video content on a screen as if actually walking in an outdoor environment, and also provides an exercise course and video content to provide an appropriate exercise load according to terrain characteristics displayed in the video content.

[0006] However, the problems to be solved in this disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned problems may be clearly understood based on the description below.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure for realizing the aforementioned objectives, a method for providing an exercise course and video content performed by an exercise device is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: sensing the movement of a handle portion or a foot portion of an exercise device that moves by the exercise of a user; and displaying video content corresponding to an exercise course selected through an input / output portion of the exercise device, wherein, as the handle portion or the foot portion moves, the video content is displayed as if the user is walking the selected exercise course, and the video content includes a path, and the path is played so that it moves as the handle portion or the foot portion moves.

[0008] Alternatively, the video content may be filmed from a first-person perspective while moving along the path in a real environment.

[0009] Alternatively, the step of displaying the video content may include a step of controlling the playback speed of the video content based on the movement speed of the handle portion or the footrest portion.

[0010] Alternatively, the method may further include the step of providing an exercise load to the user through the handle portion or the footrest portion based on exercise course information generated to correspond to the terrain characteristics of the exercise course.

[0011] Alternatively, the exercise course information may include a slope for each section calculated based on an elevation value obtained from a path included in the video content, and the step of providing the exercise load may include a step of providing the exercise load based on the slope for each section.

[0012] Alternatively, the step of providing the exercise load may include determining a section of the exercise course with a slope of a first range as a downhill section and providing an exercise load of a first size range when the user exercises on the downhill section; determining a section of the exercise course with a slope of a second range as an uphill section and providing an exercise load of a second size range when the user exercises on the uphill section; and determining a section of the exercise course with a slope of a third range as a flat section and providing an exercise load of a third size range when the user exercises on the flat section.

[0013] Alternatively, the exercise course information may further include obstacle sections including stairs or puddles located on the path, and the step of providing the exercise load may include the step of providing an exercise load corresponding to the obstacle sections.

[0014] Alternatively, the step of providing the exercise load may include, when the user exercises in the water puddle section, a step of providing an exercise load of a different type from the exercise load in the section other than the water puddle.

[0015] Alternatively, the method may further include a step of selecting one of a plurality of exercise courses having different difficulty levels, wherein the difficulty level may be determined based on the slope of each section.

[0016] An exercise device is disclosed that provides an exercise course and video content according to an embodiment of the present disclosure for realizing the aforementioned objectives. The exercise device comprises a handle portion that moves by the movement of a user performing the exercise course, a foot portion that moves by the movement of the user, a computing device that generates video content as if the user were walking the exercise course according to the movement of the handle portion or the foot portion while providing the exercise course, and an input / output device that plays the video content.

[0017] Alternatively, the computing device may provide an exercise load to the user through the handle or footrest based on exercise course information generated to correspond to the terrain characteristics of the exercise course.

[0018] Alternatively, the computing device may control the step height of the handle portion or the footrest portion based on exercise course information while the exercise course is in progress.

[0019] Alternatively, the exercise device may further include a power supply unit that provides power to the handle or the footrest so that the handle or the footrest is raised when the handle included in the handle portion or the footrest included in the footrest portion is moved by a user to be raised.

[0020] A computer program stored on a computer-readable storage medium is disclosed in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure for realizing the aforementioned objectives. When the computer program is executed on one or more processors, it performs operations for providing an exercise course and video content. The operations include sensing the movement of a handle portion or a foot portion of an exercise device that moves by the user’s exercise, and displaying video content corresponding to an exercise course selected through an input / output portion of the exercise device, wherein the operation displays the user walking the selected exercise course as the handle portion or the foot portion moves. The video content includes a path, and the path is played so that it moves as the handle portion or the foot portion moves.

[0021] According to the present disclosure, a user can be provided with an experience similar to exercising outdoors, and can increase the duration of exercise by inducing interest in the exercise as appropriate loads corresponding to terrain characteristics displayed on the screen are provided.

[0022] FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram showing a motion device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a motion device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method of an exercise device providing an exercise course and video content according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 4 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a method for generating exercise course information according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 5 is an exemplary diagram showing image content according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art (hereinafter, those skilled in the art) can easily implement them. The embodiments presented in the present disclosure are provided to enable those skilled in the art to use or implement the contents of the present disclosure. Accordingly, various modifications to the embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art. That is, the present disclosure may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments below.

[0028] Throughout the specification of the present disclosure, identical or similar reference numerals refer to identical or similar components. Additionally, to clearly explain the present disclosure, reference numerals in the drawings that are unrelated to the description of the present disclosure may be omitted.

[0029] The term “or” as used in this disclosure is intended to mean an implicit “or” rather than an exclusive “or.” That is, unless otherwise specified in this disclosure or its meaning is not clear from the context, “X uses A or B” should be understood to mean one of the natural implicit substitutions. For example, unless otherwise specified in this disclosure or its meaning is not clear from the context, “X uses A or B” may be interpreted as X using A, X using B, or X using both A and B.

[0030] The term “and / or” as used in this disclosure should be understood to refer to and include all possible combinations of one or more of the enumerated related concepts.

[0031] The terms “comprising” and / or “comprising” as used in this disclosure should be understood to mean the presence of certain features and / or components. However, the terms “comprising” and / or “comprising” should be understood not to exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, other components and / or combinations thereof.

[0032] Where not otherwise specified in the present disclosure or where it is not clear from the context that the singular form indicates, the singular should generally be interpreted as including “one or more.”

[0033] The term “the N (N is a natural number)” used in this disclosure may be understood as an expression used to distinguish the components of this disclosure from one another according to certain criteria, such as functional perspectives, structural perspectives, or convenience of explanation. For example, components performing different functional roles in this disclosure may be distinguished as a first component or a second component. However, components that are substantially identical within the technical scope of this disclosure but must be distinguished for the convenience of explanation may also be distinguished as a first component or a second component.

[0034] The term “connection” as used in the present disclosure should be interpreted to include not only cases where the components are “directly connected,” but also cases where other components are “present” in between, and cases where they are “electrically connected” with other components in between.

[0035] The term “acquisition” as used in this disclosure may be understood to refer not only to receiving data through a wireless communication network with an external device or system, but also to generating or receiving data in an on-device form.

[0036] Meanwhile, the terms "module" or "unit" used in this disclosure may be understood as referring to an independent functional unit that processes computing resources, such as a computer-related entity, firmware, software or a part thereof, hardware or a part thereof, or a combination of software and hardware. In this case, "module" or "unit" may be a unit composed of a single element, or a unit expressed as a combination or set of multiple elements. For example, in a narrow sense, "module" or "unit" may refer to a hardware element of a computing device or a set thereof, an application program that performs a specific function of software, a procedure implemented through software execution, or a set of instructions for program execution. Furthermore, in a broad sense, "module" or "unit" may refer to the computing device itself that constitutes the system, or an application executed on the computing device. However, since the above-described concept is merely an example, the concept of "module" or "part" may be defined in various ways within the scope understandable to those skilled in the art based on the contents of this disclosure.

[0037] As used in the present disclosure, the term "exercise device" may be understood to refer to at least one piece of hardware that provides an exercise load to a user and enables them to experience an exercise effect. In this context, an exercise load may refer to resistance, weight, or other forms of resistance applied to muscles or the cardiovascular system.

[0038] The exercise device of the present disclosure may provide the user with varying sizes or types of exercise loads. The size of the exercise load refers to the size of the resistance, and the type of the exercise load may refer to the type of resistance. The type of resistance may include weight, elasticity, fluid, etc., and the user may experience different sensations if the type of resistance changes, even if the size of the resistance is the same.

[0039] The exercise device of the present disclosure may provide a user with an exercise method that provides an exercise load by varying the method. For example, the exercise device may set the magnitude of the exercise load so that the user performs isotonic exercise. For example, the exercise device may set the speed at which the exercise load is provided so that the user performs isotonic exercise. The method of providing the exercise load by the exercise device is not limited to any one of isotonic, isokinetic, isometric, isotonic, etc.

[0040] The explanation of the foregoing terms is intended to aid in understanding the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be noted that unless a foregoing term is explicitly stated as a matter limiting the content of the present disclosure, it is not to be used in the sense of limiting the technical concept of the content of the present disclosure.

[0041] FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram showing a motion device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 1, an exercise device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a support member (110), a handle member (120), a footrest member (130), a support member (140), and an input / output device (150), and may further include a computing device, a sensing member, and a power providing member, which are not shown but will be described later through FIG. 2.

[0043] The support member (110) can form the overall shape of the exercise device (100). The support member (110) may include a plurality of columns inclined to form a certain angle with the ground. Each column may be provided in a facing form and connected to a base member (140). Other components constituting the exercise device (100) may be attached to the support member (110). For example, a handle member (120) and a footrest member (130) may be attached to the support member (110) so that a user can safely use the exercise device (100). For example, guide grooves (indicated by dotted lines) may be provided on the inner side of the plurality of columns to allow the handle member (120) and the footrest member (130) to move. The upper end of the support member (110) may be connected via an auxiliary bar, and the lower end of the support member (110) may be connected via a base member (140).

[0044] The handle portion (120) may include a plurality of handles, and each handle may be provided on the upper side of the support portion (110) and positioned to face each other. The handle portion (120) may move up and down along a guide groove provided in the support portion (110) by control of the exercise device (100) or by operation of a user. The handle portion (120) may include a driving device to move at a specific speed or with a specific resistance. The handle portion (120) may include a sensing device for sensing the movement of the handle portion (120) or the force acting on the handle portion (120). For example, the user may perform exercise by holding each handle with both hands and moving both hands alternately, such as climbing a rock wall.

[0045] The footrest section (130) may include a plurality of footrests, and each footrest may be provided on the lower side of the support section (110) and positioned to face each other. The footrest section (130) may move up and down along a guide groove provided in the support section (110) by control of the exercise device (100) or by operation by a user. The footrest section (130) may include a driving device to move at a specific speed or with a specific resistance. The footrest section (130) may include a sensing device for sensing the movement of the handle section (120) or the force acting on the handle section (120). For example, the user may place both feet on each footrest and perform exercise by rolling both feet alternately, such as climbing a rock wall.

[0046] The handle portion (120) or footrest portion (130) may be connected to a sensor for sensing the force acting on each handle or footrest. The power supply unit described below may control the motor to move the handle or footrest in the direction where the user's body weight is applied by comparing the left and right force data measured by the sensor. Through this, the handle or footrest may move in an alternating, cross motion.

[0047] The support member (140) may be positioned at the bottom of the exercise device (100) to stably connect the support member (110). The interior of the support member (140) may additionally include components not previously mentioned, such as a computing device for controlling the overall operation of the exercise device (100), a power supply device for driving the exercise device (100), a sensing unit, and a power supply unit. The specific operation of the computing device will be described later through FIG. 2.

[0048] The input / output device (150) can be understood as a configuration unit including hardware and / or software for implementing a user interface. That is, the input / output device (150) can visualize and output data of any form generated or determined by the computing device and data of any form received from the outside. Additionally, the input / output device (150) can receive user input that generates commands to be transmitted to any system or any client, etc., connected to the computing device (210) via wired or wireless communication. For example, the input / output device (150) may include a display module capable of outputting visualized information or implementing a touch screen, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), a flexible display, a 3D display, etc. Additionally, the input / output device (150) may include an input module capable of recognizing actions such as user motion, voice, etc., such as a camera, microphone, keyboard, and mouse. Since the above-described modules are merely examples, the modules included in the input / output device (150) may be configured in various ways within a range understandable to those skilled in the art based on the contents of this disclosure, in addition to the above-described examples.

[0049] The input / output device (150) can implement a user interface to output graphics generated through a computing device or receive user input and transmit it to the computing device. For example, the input / output device (150) can output video content in a specific area of ​​the user interface. Additionally, the input / output device (150) can receive user input regarding graphics output in a specific area of ​​the user interface. In this case, user input regarding a specific graphic can be understood as an input signal generated by an operation in which the user selects a specific graphic through the input / output device (150). Additionally, the operation of selecting a specific graphic may refer to actions that the user can perform through the input / output device (150), such as touching, clicking, double-clicking, or hovering over the specific graphic. By receiving user input and transmitting it to the computing device, the input / output device (150) can enable the movements of the exercise device (100) to be performed based on user control.

[0050] The input / output device (150) can process information generated by the exercise device (100) and output it visually or audibly. For example, it can display information about exercise programs provided by the exercise device (100). Alternatively, as the exercise progresses, it can analyze the user's exercise movements and provide them visually. Or, if the user performs a movement outside a preset range, it can provide a visual or auditory alarm.

[0051] The input / output device (150) may receive user input regarding the operation of the exercise device (100) from a user, including a user interface. For example, the exercise device (100) may manage user-specific exercise information by creating user-specific account information. Accordingly, the exercise device (100) may output an interface for logging into a user account and receive information required for login.

[0052] The user may select a desired exercise program through the input / output device (150) of the exercise device (100) or provide an exercise program recommended by the exercise device (100). To perform the exercise, the user may place both hands on the handle portion (120) and both feet on the footrest portion (130). While performing the exercise, the user may move each handle and each footrest up and down. Through the exercise device (100) of the present disclosure, the user may perform actions such as hiking or climbing.

[0053] The user may receive various exercise programs through the exercise device (100) according to the present disclosure. The exercise device (100) may analyze the user's exercise status and provide the programs.

[0054] For example, the exercise device (100) may provide a program that alternates between exercise and rest for a preset period of time. At this time, the handle portion (120) and the footrest portion (130) may move according to the preset exercise intensity, number of steps, step height, and number of sets. The input / output device (150) may display the preset information on the screen and display the exercise time and the currently ongoing exercise set. For example, the exercise device (100) may provide a program that moves according to exercise conditions preset by the user. At this time, the input / output device (150) may display on the screen the major parts of the user's muscle that are activated through exercise.

[0055] For example, the exercise device (100) may provide an exercise course so that the user can feel like they are hiking while exercising. For example, an exercise course that provides a feeling similar to a hiking course may be provided. Depending on the exercise course, at least one of exercise time, exercise intensity, exercise speed, and step height may be set. The exercise device (100) may provide video content along with the exercise course. The input / output device (150) may display a screen of walking on a hiking trail or climbing a mountain while the exercise is performed to provide the user with an experience similar to hiking.

[0056] The exercise device (100) may include a handle portion (120) and a footrest portion (130) that move by the movement of a user performing an exercise course. Along with providing an exercise course, the exercise device (100) may include a computing device that generates video content as if the user is walking the exercise course according to the movement of the handle portion (120) or the footrest portion (130), and an input / output device (150) that plays the video content. For example, the computing device may provide an exercise load to the user through the handle portion (120) or the footrest portion (130) based on exercise course information generated to correspond to the terrain characteristics of the exercise course. For example, the computing device may control the step height of the handle portion (120) or the footrest portion (130) based on the exercise course information while the exercise course is in progress. For example, the exercise device (100) may further include a power supply unit that provides power to the handle or the footrest to raise the handle or the footrest when the handle or the footrest is moved to be raised by the user. This is intended to prevent injuries caused by strenuous exercise in users with weak muscles or those requiring exercise assistance. For example, the user performs the action of lowering the handle or footplate, and when raising the handle or footplate again, the power supply unit described below can assist the user in raising the handle or footplate.

[0057] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a motion device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 2, the exercise device (200) may be a block diagram representing a part of the functional configuration of the exercise device (100) of FIG. 1. An exercise device (200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a computing device (210), a sensing unit (220), and a power supply unit (230). The computing device (210) may be embedded in the support unit (140) of the exercise device (100) of FIG. 1. A part of the sensing unit (220) may be embedded in the support unit (140), and a part may be embedded in the handle unit (120) and the footrest unit (130). A part of the power supply unit (230) may be embedded in the support unit (140), and a part may be embedded in the handle unit (120) and the footrest unit (130).

[0059] A computing device (210) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be a hardware device or part of a hardware device that performs comprehensive processing and computation of data, or it may be a software-based computing environment connected to a communication network. In FIG. 2, the computing device (210) is depicted as being a component of the exercise device (200), but it is not limited thereto. That is, the computing device (210) exists outside the exercise device (200) and can perform data communication by being connected to the exercise device (200) via wired or wireless means. The computing device (210) may be a server or a client that performs intensive data processing functions and shares resources through communication with the aforementioned exercise device (200). Additionally, the computing device (210) may be a cloud system connected to the aforementioned exercise device (200) that enables a plurality of servers and clients to comprehensively process data. Since the description above is merely one example regarding the type of computing device (210), the type of computing device (210) may be configured in various ways within a range understandable to those skilled in the art based on the contents of the present disclosure.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 2, a computing device (210) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a processor (211), memory (212), a network unit (213), and an input / output unit (140). However, since FIG. 2 is merely an example, the computing device (210) may include other configurations for implementing a computing environment. Additionally, only some of the disclosed configurations may be included in the computing device (210).

[0061] A processor (211) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be understood as a constituent unit comprising hardware and / or software for performing computing operations. For example, the processor (211) may process instructions generated as a result of user interaction through a user interface. A processor (211) for performing such data processing and operations may include a central processing unit (CPU), a general purpose graphics processing unit (GPGPU), a tensor processing unit (TPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA). Since the above-described type of processor (211) is merely an example, the type of processor (211) may be configured in various ways within a range understandable to those skilled in the art based on the contents of the present disclosure.

[0062] A memory (212) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be understood as a configuration unit comprising hardware and / or software for storing and managing data processed by a computing device (210). That is, the memory (212) may store data of any form generated or determined by a processor (211) and data of any form received by a network unit (213). For example, the memory (212) may include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory, RAM (random access memory), SRAM (static random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), PROM (programmable read-only memory), magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk. Additionally, the memory (212) may include a database system that controls and manages data in a predetermined system. Since the above-described type of memory (212) is merely an example, the type of memory (212) can be configured in various ways within a range understandable to those skilled in the art based on the contents of the present disclosure.

[0063] Memory (212) can structure and organize data, combinations of data, and program code executable by the processor (211) that are necessary for the processor (211) to perform operations. For example, memory (212) can store program code that enables the processor (211) to process images, program code that enables the processor (211) to process commands based on user input through a user interface, and various data generated as the program code is executed.

[0064] The memory (212) may include information on at least one exercise course of the exercise device (200), information on the type and size of the exercise load, user information, etc.

[0065] A network unit (213) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be understood as a configuration unit that transmits and receives data through any known form of wired or wireless communication system. For example, the network unit (213) may perform data transmission and reception using wired or wireless communication systems such as a local area network (LAN), wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), long term evolution (LTE), wireless broadband internet (WiBro), 5th generation mobile communication (5G), ultra-wide-band wireless communication, ZigBee, radio frequency (RF) communication, wireless LAN, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), near field communication (NFC), or Bluetooth. Since the communication systems described above are merely examples, wired or wireless communication systems for data transmission and reception of the network unit (213) may be applied in various ways other than those described above.

[0066] The network unit (213) can receive data necessary for the processor (211) to perform calculations through wired or wireless communication with any system or any client, etc. Additionally, the network unit (213) can transmit data generated through the calculations of the processor (211) through wired or wireless communication with any system or any client, etc. The network unit (213) can perform wired or wireless communication with a server managing an exercise device or another exercise device outside the exercise device (200). Alternatively, if the computing device (210) is configured outside the exercise device (200), the network unit (213) can transmit and receive data to control the operation of the exercise device (200) and implement a user interface through communication with the exercise device (200).

[0067] The sensing unit (220) can measure position, velocity, and acceleration, which are information generated by the user while exercising, and the force provided to the exercise device (200) by the user operating the exercise device (200). Specifically, the sensing unit (220) can measure the movement position of the handle or footplate, the movement speed, the applied force, and the magnitude of the load provided to the user through the handle or footplate. The sensing unit (220) may include an encoder and a force sensor. Sensors may be placed correspondingly on both handles and both footplates.

[0068] The power supply unit (230) may include a motor for providing exercise load to the user and a controller for controlling the motor. The power generated by the power supply unit (230) may be supplied to the handle unit (120) or the footrest unit (130) via a ball screw, a timing belt, etc. For example, the handle unit (120) and the footrest unit (130) may each be connected to the same motor via a cable. Accordingly, when the motor rotates, the cables of the handle and footrest connected to a specific guide may extend, while the cables of the handle and footrest connected to the remaining guides may shorten. Meanwhile, as the cables extend, the direction of movement of the handle and footrest may differ. For example, when the cable connected to the handle extends, the handle may move upward, and when the cable connected to the footrest extends, the footrest may move downward. At this time, the handle and footrest connected to different guides may move in an alternating manner. Specifically, when a footrest connected to a specific guide moves downward, the footrests connected to the remaining guides can move upward. According to this connection method, a plurality of handles and a plurality of footrests connected to the power supply unit (230) can move organically.

[0069] The controller can control the motor to provide a determined size or type of exercise load. For example, the controller can provide various types of exercise loads, such as elastic resistance, viscous resistance, isometric and real-time weight change. The type or size of the exercise load can be determined based on at least one of information entered by the user, pre-set information, or a sensing value measured by the sensing unit (220). Through this, the user can feel exercise loads of various types or various exercise intensities.

[0070] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method in which an exercise device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure provides an exercise course and video content, FIG. 4 is an illustrative diagram illustrating a method for generating exercise course information according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 5 is an illustrative diagram illustrating video content according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 3, before step S110 is performed, a step of generating an exercise course and video content may be performed first. The exercise course and video content may be generated through a separate computing device, or they may be generated through the exercise device of FIG. 1.

[0072] In the present disclosure, the term "exercise course" may refer to a virtual exercise course generated based on terrain characteristics obtained from a real environment while filming video content.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 4, the video content in the present disclosure may include a video filmed from a first-person perspective while moving along the path (10) in a real environment that includes the path (10). Since the video content is filmed from a first-person perspective, it can provide a more realistic feeling of the user walking or climbing the hiking trail.

[0074] For example, the path (10) may include a hiking trail, and the video content may be filmed to include the surrounding environment of the path (10). Obstacles such as puddles or stairs may be included within the section from the starting point to the end point of the hiking trail. In this case, the puddles or stairs may be included in the video content. As the video content is filmed in first person, it can provide a more realistic feeling of the user walking or climbing the hiking trail.

[0075] Referring to Fig. 4, an example of how an exercise course is generated is explained. A photographer can film a video while climbing a hiking trail and simultaneously measure the altitude of the trail using a GPS device. Additionally, the photographer's movement speed can be obtained. The photographer can obtain terrain characteristics from the starting point to the end point of the hiking trail.

[0076] A computing device can generate a map (30) such as the solid line in FIG. 4 using the elevation from the starting point to the end point of the hiking trail based on acquired terrain characteristics. The left side of the map (30) may be the starting point and the right side of the map (30) may be the end point, but is not limited thereto. Additionally, a graphic (P1) indicating the user's location on the hiking trail may be displayed. This graphic (P1) allows the user to move along the hiking trail displayed on the map (30) while performing exercise.

[0077] The computing device can calculate the elevation of the path according to the size of the preset section, and calculate the slope of each section and whether the section is uphill, flat, or downhill. For example, section X1 may be uphill, section X2 may be flat, and section X3 may be downhill. The size of the section may be changed. The computing device can determine the difficulty of the hiking trail using the slope calculated for each section within the entire hiking trail. For example, the difficulty may be determined based on at least one of the maximum value of the slope of each section, the standard deviation of the slope of each section, the total length of the hiking trail, the frequency of obstacle sections, and the type of obstacle. The computing device can add obstacle information to the path created on the map (30) based on the captured video.

[0078] The exercise device may receive a selection of one of multiple exercise courses having different difficulty levels (S110). At this time, the difficulty levels of the multiple exercise courses may differ from each other. For example, the exercise device may display various exercise courses through an input / output device. The input / output device may display the difficulty level of the exercise course and further display the terrain characteristics of the exercise course, the maximum altitude of the exercise course, the length of the exercise course, etc. It may also receive a user selection. Meanwhile, step S110 is not a mandatory component, and the exercise device may provide an appropriate exercise course to the user without a selection step.

[0079] The exercise device can sense the movement of the handle portion or foot portion of the exercise device, which moves due to the user's exercise (S120). The user can perform the selected exercise course. The user can perform the exercise by grasping the handle portion of the exercise device, placing their feet on the foot portion, and performing the action of climbing a rock wall. For example, the movement, speed, and magnitude of the force applied to each handle can be sensed, and the movement, speed, and magnitude of the force applied to each foot portion can be sensed.

[0080] The exercise device can calculate the virtual speed, steps per minute, etc., of the user moving along the exercise course based on the information sensed in step S120. This speed can be calculated based on the slope of each section on the exercise course.

[0081] The exercise device can display video content corresponding to the selected exercise course, and as the handle or footrest moves, the video content can be displayed as if the user is walking the selected exercise course (S130). As the video content is played as if the path (10) is moving backward, the user can feel as if they are walking or hiking on the path (10) through exercise.

[0082] The exercise device can control the playback speed of video content based on the movement speed of the handle or footrest. For example, the exercise device can determine the playback speed of video content based on the speed at which the user virtually moves on the exercise course calculated in step S120 and the user's steps per minute. For example, if the user is sensed to be moving the handle and footrest at a first speed, it may be determined that the user is walking fast. And if the user is sensed to be moving the handle and footrest at a second speed slower than the first speed, it may be determined that the user is walking slow. In this case, the playback speed of the video content may be slower when moving at the second speed compared to when moving at the first speed.

[0083] At this time, the playback speed can be determined by considering the walking speed of the person filming while the video content is being filmed. For example, if the person filming the video content while walking at 3 km / s, and it is calculated that the user is walking at 6 km / s, the video content can be played at 2x speed. As the user's exercise speed is sensed in real time at step S120, the playback speed of the video content can also be changed in real time.

[0084] Referring to FIG. 5, the input / output device may further display information about the exercise along with video content. The interface (300) of FIG. 5 may display a path (10) representing a hiking trail that the user virtually walks, the interface (300) may display at least one of a map (30) of the exercise course and a graphic (20) representing the exercise load. Additionally, steps, steps per minute, speed, exercise time, heart rate, etc. may be further displayed.

[0085] The exercise device according to the present disclosure allows the left handle and footplate and the right handle and footplate to be controlled independently, thereby enabling the exercise load for the left side of the body and the exercise load for the right side of the body to be provided individually. The interface (300) can display the exercise load provided to the user in real time through a graphic (20) divided into left and right sides.

[0086] The exercise device can provide an exercise load to the user through a handle or footrest based on exercise course information generated to correspond to the terrain characteristics of the exercise course (S140).

[0087] For example, the exercise device can determine the exercise load to be provided to the user based on the slope of each section. The exercise device may determine a section of the exercise course with a slope of the first range as a downhill section and provide an exercise load of the first size range when the user exercises on the downhill section. The exercise device may determine a section of the exercise course with a slope of the second range as an uphill section and provide an exercise load of the second size range when the user exercises on the uphill section. The exercise device may determine a section of the exercise course with a slope of the third range as a flat section and provide an exercise load of the third size range when the user exercises on the flat section. The magnitude of the exercise load may be in the order of first size range < third size range < second size range.

[0088] The exercise device can determine the exercise load by taking obstacle information into further consideration. That is, it can provide an exercise load corresponding to the obstacle section. If the path of the exercise course includes obstacles such as puddles or stairs, the user may visually perceive them through video content, or may sense the obstacles by providing an exercise load corresponding to the obstacles.

[0089] For example, when a user exercises in the water puddle section, the exercise device may provide an exercise load of a different type than the exercise load in the section that is not a water puddle. For example, the type of resistance may be changed to fluid resistance. When facing uphill stairs, the magnitude of the exercise load may be increased. In addition, the maximum range of motion of the handrail or footrest that the user can move may be determined according to the height of the stair steps.

[0090] According to the present disclosure, the playback speed of the video and the exercise load are controlled according to the user's exercise, thereby allowing the user to experience a vivid sensation as if exercising in an environment where an actual hiking trail was filmed. In this way, there is an effect of increasing the duration of exercise by stimulating the user's interest.

[0091] Meanwhile, step S140 does not necessarily have to be performed after step S130, and can be performed in parallel with other steps while the user is performing the exercise.

[0092] The various embodiments of the present disclosure described above may be combined with additional embodiments and modified to the extent understandable to those skilled in the art in light of the detailed description above. The embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrative in all respects and should be understood as not restrictive. For example, each component described as a single unit may be implemented in a distributed manner, and components described as distributed may likewise be implemented in a combined form. Accordingly, all modifications or variations derived from the meaning, scope, and equivalents of the claims of the present disclosure should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A method for providing exercise courses and video content performed by an exercise device, A step of sensing the movement of a handle portion or footrest portion of an exercise device that moves by the user's movement; and A step of displaying video content corresponding to a selected exercise course through the input / output unit of the exercise device, wherein, as the handle or footrest moves, the user appears to be walking the selected exercise course; Includes, A method in which the above video content includes a path, and the path is played so that it moves as the handle portion or the footrest portion moves.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above video content is, A method filmed from a first-person perspective while moving along the aforementioned path in a real environment.

3. In Paragraph 1, The step of displaying the above video content is, A step of controlling the playback speed of the video content based on the movement speed of the handle portion or the footrest portion; A method including 4. In Paragraph 1, A step of providing an exercise load to the user through the handle portion or the footrest portion based on exercise course information generated to correspond to the terrain characteristics of the exercise course; A method that further includes.

5. In Paragraph 4, The above exercise course information is, It includes slopes for each section calculated based on elevation values ​​obtained from the road included in the above video content, and The step of providing the above exercise load is, A step of providing the exercise load based on the slope of each section as described above; A method including 6. In Paragraph 5, The step of providing the above exercise load is, A step of determining a section of the above exercise course where the slope of each section is within a first range as a downhill section, and providing an exercise load within a first size range when the user exercises in the downhill section; A step of determining a section of the above exercise course where the slope of each section is in the second range as an uphill section, and providing an exercise load of the second size range when the user exercises on the uphill section; and A step of determining a section of the above exercise course where the slope of each section is within a third range as flat land, and providing an exercise load within a third size range when the user exercises in the flat land section; A method including 7. In Paragraph 5, The above exercise course information is, It further includes obstacle sections including stairs or puddles located on the aforementioned path, and The step of providing the above exercise load is, A step of providing an exercise load corresponding to the obstacle section above; A method including 8. In Paragraph 7, The step of providing the above exercise load is, When the user exercises in the water puddle section, a step of providing an exercise load of a different type from the exercise load in the section other than the water puddle; A method including 9. In Paragraph 5, A step of selecting one of multiple exercise courses with different difficulty levels; Includes more, The above difficulty level is, A method determined based on the slope of each section above.

10. As an exercise device that provides exercise courses and video content, A handle part that moves by the movement of a user performing the above exercise course; A footrest that moves by the movement of the above-mentioned user; and A computing device that provides the above exercise course and generates the above video content as if the user is walking the above exercise course according to the movement of the above handle portion or the above footrest portion; and An input / output device for playing the above video content; An exercise device including 11. In Paragraph 10, The above computing device is, An exercise device that provides an exercise load to the user through the handle portion or foot portion based on exercise course information generated to correspond to the terrain characteristics of the above exercise course.

12. In Paragraph 11, The above computing device is, An exercise device that controls the step height of the handle portion or the footrest portion based on exercise course information while the above exercise course is in progress.

13. In Paragraph 10, The above exercise device is, A power supply unit that provides power to the handle or the footrest so that the handle or the footrest is raised when the handle included in the handle portion or the footrest included in the footrest portion is moved by a user to be raised; An exercise device that further includes 14. A computer program stored on a computer-readable storage medium, wherein the computer program performs operations for providing exercise courses and video content when executed on one or more processors, and said operations are A motion of sensing the movement of a handle or footrest portion of an exercise device that moves by the user's movement; and Displaying video content corresponding to an exercise course selected through the input / output unit of the exercise device, wherein the user appears to be walking the selected exercise course as the handle or footrest moves; Includes, A computer program that includes video content of a path and plays the path so that it moves as the handle or footrest moves.

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