Central Control Unit Synchronizing Exercise Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing group fitness training methods using multiple exercise machines are hindered by communication challenges, such as voice instructions being missed due to noise and varying user reaction times, leading to unsynchronized and potentially unsafe training sessions.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a control unit connected to multiple exercise machines via a data communication network, allowing trainers to manage and synchronize training programs, send control instructions, and monitor user adherence to the program in real-time, ensuring synchronized operation and enhanced safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If voice instructions are used to coordinate exercise machines, then trainers can motivate and guide users during training, but users may miss or misunderstand instructions due to noise and have varying reaction times leading to poor synchronization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a central control system as an intermediary between the trainer and the exercise machines. The trainer inputs instructions through a control panel, and the system automatically distributes synchronized commands to all exercise machines via a communication network, eliminating the unreliable voice transmission channel while preserving the trainer's guidance capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the acoustic/voice-based instruction system with an electronic digital communication system. Instead of relying on sound waves that are subject to noise and human reaction time variations, the system uses electronic signals transmitted through a communication network to directly control the exercise machines, ensuring precise and simultaneous execution of training commands.
2Reliability
If trainers manually monitor each exercise machine to ensure correct command execution, then training safety can be maintained, but trainers cannot respond timely to issues across multiple machines due to the need to physically move between them
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where each exercise machine continuously transmits operational status data back to the central control system. The system automatically monitors whether users are correctly following the training program and immediately identifies deviations or safety issues, enabling real-time detection without requiring the trainer to physically inspect each machine.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-monitoring and automatic detection of training compliance and safety issues. The exercise machines themselves report their status and detect anomalies, reducing the need for continuous manual intervention by the trainer while maintaining high safety standards through automated surveillance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If users manually adjust exercise machine parameters based on trainer instructions, then users can follow the training program, but reaction time variations cause desynchronization and potential safety risks from excessive effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the exercise machines to automatically adjust their own parameters based on received commands from the central control system. Instead of relying on users to manually change settings, the machines self-regulate speed, resistance, and other parameters, ensuring precise and simultaneous execution of training commands while reducing user burden and error potential.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual user-adjustment mechanism with an automated electronic control system. The central control system sends digital commands that directly adjust the exercise machine parameters through electronic actuators, eliminating the delay and variability introduced by human reaction time while maintaining user adaptability to the training program.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method (400) for managing a training of users on a plurality of exercise machines, comprising steps of: providing (401) a control unit of a user training class on a plurality of exercise machines, the control unit being accessible by a trainer user in charge of managing a training class on a plurality of exercise machines; providing (402) a plurality of exercise machines operatively connected to the control unit by means of a data communication network; loading (403), by the control unit, in a respective memory module of the control unit, a training program to be performed for the users of the training class chosen by the trainer user from various training programs; sending (404), by the control unit, by means of the data communication network, a start of training command to the plurality of exercise machines; starting (405), by the plurality of exercise machines, the training following the reception of the start of training command; sending (406) to the plurality of exercise machines, by the control unit, by means of the data communication network, at least one control instruction of the operation of each exercise machine of the plurality of exercise machines; controlling (407) the operation of each exercise machine, by each exercise machine of the plurality of exercise machines, on the basis of the at least one control instruction of the operation of each exercise machine received from the control unit.